PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8 February 2011
It is with mixed feelings that I read the Bernama report (7 Feb 2011, Pedestrian Walkways In Kuala Lumpur To Be Ready By Year End) where the Minister for Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin launched the first phase of the pedestrian walkway project, which links the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre to Hotel Impiana KLCC.
While as a Federal Territory Pakatan Rakyat MP I am happy that such infrastructure is built for the benefit of KL residents and tourists, I would like to draw close attention to the figure of RM10 million which was reportedly the amount used to construct the 142m air-conditioned pedestrian walkway. This figure translates to an average of RM70,422 per meter, an amount which demands clarification as public monies were undoubtedly used – a Bernama report dated 8 September 2010 disclosed that Petronas contributed RM100mil for the two-phase construction – and therefore must be taken to task.
What are the exact figures for the construction of these walkways? As the elevated pedestrian walkway is air-conditioned, what are the maintenance and operational costs involved and as the unit price of energy increases how will these costs increase over time? As government linked companies and agencies (Petronas, KLCC Holdings Sdn Bhd, DBKL, and Prasarana) were involved, was there an open tender process to ascertain whether there were any lower-priced options available? These are all questions that I hope will be answered dutifully and truthfully by Datuk Raja Nong Chik as the minister in charge, as well as by the mayor of Kuala Lumpur Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Ismail.
At a time when Malaysian citizens in general and FT residents in particular are told to “change their lifestyle” as the price of basic goods and petrol increases, I welcome efforts by all parties to develop basic infrastructure for pedestrians in Kuala Lumpur. At the same time, I call upon all related government ministries, agencies, and organizations to lead by example and end such excessive expenditure.
Lastly, this matter presents itself as more the reason to have an elected mayor who is ultimately accountable to the people of Kuala Lumpur.
Nurul Izzah Anwar
Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai
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Additional facts:
– RM100mil contributed by Petronas for both phases, linking KL Convention Centre to Impiana, eventually to Jln Raja Chulan
– Another RM60mil contributed by Syarikat Prasarana Sdn Bhd (SPNB) for 6 other walkways (Pasar Seni LRT-Dayabumi, DBKL main building-Sogo Shopping Complex, KTM Commuter-Bandaraya LRT, Jalan Sultan Ismail-Maju Junction-Medan Tunku Monorail station, Plaza Rakyat- Puduraya terminal bus station and Albukhari Mosque-Hang Tuah LRT station)
Source: The Star
Original Bernama report
