tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59359545284741447792024-03-13T09:18:33.309-07:00Klang Valley MRT WatchOrdinary Malaysians who want a responsible implementation of the MRT project.MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935954528474144779.post-90983667287091702942011-04-26T21:58:00.000-07:002011-04-26T21:58:14.373-07:00Please Attend! MBPJ Town Hall Meeting with SPADThere will be a meeting organized by MBPJ to discuss the MRT project. Officers from SPAD will be present.<br />
<br />
Details are as below:<br />
<br />
Date: Thursday, 28th April 2011<br />
Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm<br />
Place: Dewan Sivik, Majilis Perbandaran Petaling Jaya<br />
<br />
Kindly be sure that your community is represented and that your voice is heard.<br />
<a href="http://ow.ly/d/ee2">CLICK HERE</a> to read the official notice.MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935954528474144779.post-65098543968950282462011-04-03T17:27:00.000-07:002011-04-03T17:34:09.150-07:00Petition To Take MRT UndergroundOur cause has recently been featured on <a href="http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/4/2/central/8389998&sec=central">Saturday's Star Metro</a>.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"></span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;"></span></span></div><h2 id="story_byline" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">By YIP YOKE TENG<br />
<a href="mailto:teng@thestar.com.my" style="font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">teng@thestar.com.my</a></span></h2><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">Residents of Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Kota Damansara, Mutiara Damansara, Bandar Utama, Damansara Utama and Damansara Kim have started a signature campaign to urge the Government to bring the Sungai Buloh- Kajang MRT line underground.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">They are concerned about the various impacts on the environment anticipated from the proposed elevated track and stations in the area.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">They felt some stretches of the proposed alignment that are too close to the houses will lead to air, noise and water pollution as well as higher risk of crime. Also if the stations are not strategically located, it will worsen traffic conditions.</span></div><div class="story_image center" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 364px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><img alt="" height="312" src="http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/4/2/central/m_04aaron.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="350" /><span class="caption" style="clear: both; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold;"><b>Sarma</b>: We feel that as a country, we should not look at the MRT as a short-term investment.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">The environmental impact assessment commissioned by the government has acknowledged the same concerns. Furthermore, businesses in certain areas may be affected.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">Coordinator of the Joint Residents’ Associations Aaron Sarma said the residents felt taking the train lines underground would be the best option to prevent the potential problems.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">He cited the Kelana Jaya and Ampang Park LRT stations as examples, adding that the size of the new stations are expected to be three times that of the LRT.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">“Building the MRT underground means you can place the station at the most strategic points. Traffic can therefore be reduced as there is less need to ferry the passengers to the stations.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">“The Kelana Jaya LRT station is plagued by parking woes and traffic congestions while the case is less serious at the Ampang Park station as it is located right underneath the centre of activities,” he said.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">He added the authorities had objected to an underground MRT due to high costs, but it would be a necessary investment for the long run.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">“We feel that as a country, we should not look at it as a short-term investment. Singapore’s MRT has been running for 30 years while London’s Underground has been in operation since 1985*.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">“Also, going underground has other cost advantages. It is expandable, and you do not need to go around buildings and highways. Furthermore, Bandar Utama City Corporation director Datuk Teo Chiang Kok has agreed to adopt the station at Bandar Utama.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">“You can place the stations right at the catchment area if they are underground. For instance, you can have one station in between 1Utama and The Curve shopping malls, instead of putting it at Sri Pentas which is awkward,” he said.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">The group is reaching out to more people under an effort called the Klang Valley MRT Watch, which is publicised through an official blog (<a href="http://kvmrtwatch.blogspot.com/">kvmrtwatch.blogspot.com</a>), Facebook (gounderground) and Twitter (@kvmrtwatch).</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">They target to get at least 20,000 signatures for the petition.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">A separate online petition has also been started, it has already received 213 signatures in three weeks after it was put up.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">The petition will be submitted to Land Transport Commission (SPAD) in May, closing date of the petition is April 30.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">For further details, email <a href="mailto:kvmrtwatch@gmail.com" style="font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">kvmrtwatch@gmail.com</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><a href="http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/4/2/central/8389998&sec=central">CLICK HERE</a> to read it on The Star Online</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">*Note: There may be a slight confusion with regards to when the London Underground was built. The official <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/modesoftransport/londonunderground/history/1606.aspx">London Underground websit</a><a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/modesoftransport/londonunderground/history/1606.aspx">e</a> says that while the London Underground was formed under a body called the London Regional Charter in 1985, the first underground train was built between Paddington and Ferringdon Street in 1863. Therefore this makes the underground 148 years old. </span></div>MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935954528474144779.post-83351316086204649702011-04-02T01:38:00.000-07:002011-04-02T01:38:32.570-07:00No more secrets, please<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Columnist Leow Mei Chern, made mention of this blog in the pages of <a href="http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=59177">The Sun</a>. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"We waste a lot of time in trying to access information to make informed decisions. The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) has promised to consider all feedback obtained during the three-month period before proceeding with the MRT project. A transparent process and longer period for feedback would certainly enable communities to better organise themselves; a factor perhaps deemed as a hindrance if one needs to expedite a project.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Despite the less than favourable conditions for communities to take part in meaningful ways, residents associations in parts of Klang Valley have come together to make a united stand and petition at <a href="http://kvmrtwatch.blogspot.com/">http://kvmrtwatch.blogspot.com/</a>, calling for a responsible implementation of the MRT and outlining reasons why it should go underground. We must engage and hold decision-makers to account."</i><br />
<div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">For the full article please <a href="http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=59177">CLICK HERE</a></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div></span></div>MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935954528474144779.post-56880529939366142562011-03-23T17:38:00.000-07:002011-03-23T17:40:42.508-07:00TTDI residents prefer MRT underground<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Originally posted in <a href="http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/2/26/focus/8141530&sec=focus">the Star</a> on the 26th of February 2011</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">I WRITE in support of ‘<a href="http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/2/24/focus/8123648&sec=focus" style="font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Unite for a better MRT</a>’ (The Star, Feb 24) for the authorities to consider constructing the MRT underground.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">The cost of construction is said to be more than double compared with the overhead one but in the long run the benefits will be substantial. Please give it due consideration.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">I live in Pinggir Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), at the section where the MRT will most likely run parallel to my house.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">My neighbours and I will face the brunt of the noise and environmental pollution that comes with this possible route.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">I think it is very unkind and thoughtless to call us selfish, anti-development and anti-progress. Most of my neighbours (many are senior citizens) have contributed in many ways to the progress and success of Malaysia.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">If going underground for MRT is NOT an option, can the authorities consider re-allocating us elsewhere in the TTDI area? This is a win-win situation.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">The MRT can acquire the existing area of our houses to convert to carparks, condominiums, shops and gardens.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Progress will be visible and blooming and we, the residents, will be spared the unbearable pollution and remain happy Malaysians.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Go 1Malaysia!</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b>RETIREE @ PINGGIR ZAABA, </b><b>Kuala Lumpur.</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/2/26/focus/8141530&sec=focus">Click HERE</a> to read it on The Star's website</span></b></div>MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935954528474144779.post-71603265194057354432011-03-23T17:35:00.000-07:002011-03-23T17:40:03.049-07:00Public Transport: Underground MRT can cut noise, dirt<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Originally posted in the New Straits Times on the 25th of February 2011 by Zhang. C. G. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">I REFER to Ted Tugal's letter, "MRT plan deserves our support" (NST, Feb 23).</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">He missed the point. Overall, residents, especially in Taman Tun Dr Ismail and Kota Damansara, are not against the mass rapid transit project.<br />
<br />
The call is for the elevated track to go underground. The elevated track running over the Persiaran Surian and Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong will have trains running metres away from thousands of homes, making it intolerable to live due to noise and pollution, and the frequency of trains passing through every few minutes.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><br />
It is not that there are no alternative solutions. There are well-based and sound reasons for going underground.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Firstly, the MRT track is a "retro-fit", being force-squeezed over narrow road reserves. Poor planning has resulted in no provision of MRT reserves with buffers.<br />
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It would cost more to go underground, but the long-term benefits must override the short-term cost savings of construction. The noise and pollution would be permanent and damage would be recurring if this is not done. The scarring of the vista and the blocking of sunlight are also long-term detrimental factors.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><br />
The call of residents like me is for a holistic evaluation of the options.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Click <a href="http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/19put/Article/">HERE</a> to read it on the NST Website</span>MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935954528474144779.post-49010510904689376372011-03-16T19:52:00.000-07:002011-03-16T19:54:25.954-07:00Residents want MRT underground<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">More residents support our case for an underground MRT.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Here's an article from <a href="http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/3/17/central/8275926&sec=central">the Star</a>:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i>"ABOUT 50 residents from Bukit Bandaraya in Bangsar had a meeting with the authorities over the proposed Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Sungai Buloh-Kajang line, particularly along the Sprint Highway stretch."</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Click <a href="http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/3/17/central/8275926&sec=central">HERE</a> to read the full article.</span>MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935954528474144779.post-75309641991000024962011-03-15T19:30:00.000-07:002011-03-15T19:30:15.693-07:00Backbencher Cautions Over Anticipated Higher Cost Of MRT Project<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From BERNAMA:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The (feasibility) study has yet to be done, but the tender forms are already </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">out. I feel that while we go for greater urbanisation of cities to become a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">developed nation, the government should not get sidetracked into developing one <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">area and neglecting another ... </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Focusing on rail communication and not improving the bus services will not </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">solve the (transportation) problem. Furthermore, the MRT stations are not going </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to be linked to other stations such as KL Sentral which serves the LRT (Light </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rail Transit), commuter and rail services to the rural areas," </span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Datuk Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan)</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read the full article <a href="http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=570997">HERE</a></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span>MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935954528474144779.post-16899302019154441972011-03-07T06:25:00.000-08:002011-03-07T06:31:46.649-08:00Detailed Environmental Impact AssesmentIn the course of some meetings we have been having with residents over the last few days some have asked us to provide support for some of the concerns we have expressed in our petition. Because of this we felt it is important that we provide you, our readers with the EIA report provided on the webpage of the <a href="http://www.doe.gov.my/portal/announcemenment-to-public/detailed-eia-klang-valley-mass-rapid-transit-sungai-buloh-%E2%80%93-kajang-line/">Department of Environment</a>. You will notice that the preamble for our petition has been taken from the conclusions in this report.<br />
<br />
Please <a href="http://ow.ly/d/c28">CLICK HERE</a> to download the report for your perusal.MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935954528474144779.post-6459207527808791552011-03-04T18:32:00.000-08:002011-03-04T18:34:28.663-08:00Be On Top - Build It Underground<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's an opinion piece written by Mr. Johnny Soon of <a href="http://kvmrtwatch.blogspot.com/p/participating-ras.html">Mutiara Damansara Owners and Residents Association (MUDORA)</a> o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">riginally posted in <a href="http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/2/15/focus/8062817&sec=focus">The Star</a>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">---</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday, 15th February 2011</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 12px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I AM pleased that an MRT line has been proposed along Persiaran Surian to serve the huge community and residential and commercial activities in Sunway Damansara, Mutiara Damansara, Bandar Utama and TTDI, and the fringe areas surrounding these popular destinations.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the MRT Line running through Persiaran Surian is planned to be built above ground instead of underground, which is preferred by residents in these locations.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;"></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are advantages to siting the MRT line and stations underground:</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">> Noise pollution from moving trains is cut off, resulting in a cleaner environment and enhanced aesthetic value of surrounding areas without the unsightly pillars and beams. Many unsightly stations are found in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya serviced by the LRT and monorail running overhead.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">> There is flexibility of land use for future expansion of infrastructure, namely, highways, roads, bridges, flyovers, buildings, especially in Kota Damansara.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">> There is better and proper management of surface traffic to complement pick-up and ride stations and pedestrian pathways.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">> Combining the Mutiara Damansara and Bandar Utama stations into one mega station below the present driving range, linked by passage ways to Curve/Ikano and One Utama, will provide protection from inclement weather. Having one station at this location will provide better management of facilities, as land is available for feeder buses, taxis and coaches.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">> Having one station provides a good alternative for revellers to use the MRT instead of cars, especially during mega sales by shopping malls and during seasonal festivities.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">> As the Curve, Ikano/Ikea, Tesco and One Utama have been earmarked for an International Tourism Zone by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), an underground station will complement this development. This will enhance the value of surrounding properties and project an iconic image for Petaling Jaya and Malaysia in general.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">> Both sides of Persiaran Surian is already built up, with residential houses, apartments, condominiums, shops and mega shopping malls. This road is too narrow to accommodate an elevated MRT line and stations with twin tracks. The overhead tracks will be too close to the existing houses.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">> The existing roads can hardly cope with daily traffic, and beams and pillars will result in narrower vehicle lanes. Land is no longer available for road widening near Persiaran Surian tunnel let alone pathways for pedestrians thereby endangering the safety of motorists and pedestrians.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">> There is lack of provision for a pick up/drop off point at Persiaran Surian near the proposed station at Surian Tower. The existing narrow road will be further constricted as motorists will park their cars or wait to pick up passengers. Taman Bahagia and Kelana Jaya LRT stations are good examples of motorists disregarding the “No Waiting” signs.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, it makes good sense to relocate Mutiara Damansara station nearer to the golf driving range, combining it with One Utama.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There will be less disruption to surface traffic during construction if the MRT station and line is below ground. Imagine the loss in productivity in spending more time on the road besides the stress should the line be built above ground.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besides, the residents near the MRT lines will be greatly affected by noise and other pollution during above ground construction.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">To read the original article </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;">- </span><a href="http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/2/15/focus/8062817&sec=focus" style="color: #333333;">CLICK HERE</a></span></div>MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935954528474144779.post-1200339544309775062011-03-03T02:34:00.000-08:002011-03-04T09:52:42.796-08:00Grassroots Petition Launched!We met with the Residents Associations of Bandar Utama, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Mutiara Damansara, Kota Damansara and Damansara Utama on Monday, the 28th of February 2011. As of right now, you may contact your local Residents Association for copies of the physical version of the petition.<br />
<br />
If you need a copy of the petition, please feel to email us at <a href="mailto:kvmrtwatch@gmail.com">kvmrtwatch@gmail.com</a> and we will send a soft copy right to you. Kindly be sure to identify your street name and residential area to assist us in ensuring that all areas are sufficiently covered by the petition.<br />
<br />
We can make this happen!MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935954528474144779.post-7769502305473724402011-02-28T17:59:00.001-08:002011-02-28T17:59:43.567-08:00New Facebook Group!We now have a Facebook group to garner more support for our petition. Visit us at facebook.com/gounderground or click the link on the right.MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935954528474144779.post-27336156006623591472011-02-24T02:34:00.000-08:002011-02-24T02:34:24.179-08:00Unite for a better MRTFrom The Star Online<br />
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<br />
"Our call is for the MRT to be constructed taking the long term benefits of the community and not merely the short term one-off cost saving of the cheaper elevated track as opposed to going underground."<br />
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Read the whole article <a href="http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/2/24/focus/8123648&sec=focus">HERE</a>MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935954528474144779.post-42288932156563544852011-02-23T19:26:00.000-08:002011-02-23T19:26:58.986-08:00Land acquisition by govt takes into account residents affectedFrom The Star<br />
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LAND Public Transport Commission (LPTC) CEO Mohd Nur Kamal said the commission had taken note the concerns of Taman Tun Dr Ismail residents regarding the notice of land acquisition for the construction of the Klang Valley MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang line<br />
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<a href="http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/2/24/central/8122695&sec=central">READ MORE</a>MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935954528474144779.post-12159904554652573162011-02-20T19:53:00.000-08:002011-02-21T16:17:24.772-08:00Go Underground - KVMRT Petition has been launched!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1199162618"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqC0eRjKi0gAbwDLSg90LgKB-MgPmK2FipfnkmFeyT4z3nIL2TMQV_abWOPTNOd5Q1K5LG7ujM6xbdqLL6rCOjL_4GRXfE36q8h2jkLAKW2RAPjjVUbbvQnidKMs8HJhYy7EsYwgRRWpk/s320/Screen+shot+2011-02-21+at+11.50.37+AM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Our page at Petition Site</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Our online petition has been launched. To sign our petition please click <a href="http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/355/710/304/">HERE</a>.<br />
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We will also be releasing hard copies of this petition to local Resident Associations. If you would like a copy of this petition please email us at <a href="mailto:kvmrtwatch@gmail.com">kvmrtwatch@gmail.com</a><br />
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We will be more than happy to send you the file.MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935954528474144779.post-7085709758757122862011-02-18T07:02:00.000-08:002011-02-18T08:17:07.437-08:00Residents, shops rail at KL's MRT projectSingapore's Straits Times newspaper has <a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_636211.html">great article</a> that talks about the shortfalls of the current MRT proposal.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Here's an excerpt:</div><div><br />
</div><div><blockquote><i>An environmental impact assessment (EIA), commissioned by the government and released on Tuesday, surveyed only 675 people on the proposed line, expected to have a daily ridership of 442,000.<br />
The EIA report acknowledged that thousands of residents who live near the project will suffer from noise, air and water pollution, as well as traffic congestion. It also said that businesses in certain areas would potentially lose customers, especially those that depend on the local neighbourhood.</i></blockquote><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Read the full article <a href="http://an%20environmental%20impact%20assessment%20%28eia%29%2C%20commissioned%20by%20the%20government%20and%20released%20on%20tuesday%2C%20surveyed%20only%20675%20people%20on%20the%20proposed%20line%2C%20expected%20to%20have%20a%20daily%20ridership%20of%20442%2C000.%20%20the%20eia%20report%20acknowledged%20that%20thousands%20of%20residents%20who%20live%20near%20the%20project%20will%20suffer%20from%20noise%2C%20air%20and%20water%20pollution%2C%20as%20well%20as%20traffic%20congestion.%20it%20also%20said%20that%20businesses%20in%20certain%20areas%20would%20potentially%20lose%20customers%2C%20especially%20those%20that%20depend%20on%20the%20local%20neighbourhood./">HERE</a></span></span></div>MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5935954528474144779.post-72754748164870560412011-02-17T10:03:00.000-08:002011-02-17T10:16:09.692-08:00MRT a rush job, needs more study<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Garuda, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">From "<a href="http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/">The Malaysian Insider</a>"</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Garuda, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 14 — Putrajaya may have rushed through the RM36.6 billion mass rapid transit (MRT) for the Klang Valley without considering issues such as the traffic congestion it hopes to reduce or the increased congestion at the stations, a research group said today.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Garuda, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/mrt-a-rush-job-needs-more-study-says-group">READ MORE</a></span>MRT Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06958311694780171904noreply@blogger.com0