Cutting down on unnecessary expenditure has been the primary focus of the Pakatan Harapan government since day one, and the latest project to be reviewed is the second phase of the KTM Klang Valley Double Track (KVDT) upgrade project.
FYI, the second phase of the project involves routes from KL Station to Klang, Salak South to Seremban and Simpang Port Klang to Port Klang that totals up to 110km.
Source: SPAD
According to The Star, Transport Minister Anthony Loke deemed the upgrade project too expensive because it’s estimated to cost RM5.9 billion and take seven years to complete.
“It (the price) is too high and the tenders were awarded through direct negotiations and tenders. This translates to RM53 million for every kilometre,” Loke said.
As such, the upgrade project of the second phase will be reviewed as the new government doesn’t agree with this price point. Also, the long completion time means commuters will face longer delay periods.
Source: The Star
Loke revealed that the ongoing upgrade work of the first phase is the reason why there have been delays in the train schedules.
“One track has been closed so there are delays between KL Station to Simpang Port Kang and Rawang, and there are no double tracks for these routes,” he said.
The minister revealed all these details because the ministry had chosen to be honest and transparent with the rakyat instead of covering up the issue. With the second phase being reviewed, the ministry will be looking into alternative solutions to make commuting easier for fellow Malaysians.
The practice of awarding projects without open tender has to stop, as it is often the reason why the bill ends up having ridiculous numbers and the rakyat are the ones who have to suffer the consequences.
Also read: Tun M: “MRT3 Project Will Officially Be Cancelled”
