We commend the government and particularly the works minister for the foresight to consider the alternatives to Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (Kidex). (‘Alternative to Kidex’, StarBiz Sept 29, 2015).

The proposal to consider alternatives was first made by the writer on Feb 16, 2015, wherein it was stated: “Please consider the alternatives, perhaps a tunnel, with the added value of a water management project within it.

“Our country is not that backward. We have the technology, the experienced companies, management and workers. Be smart and the world will say so.

“All we need is the will of the civil service, cabinet and government toward 2020. There is no wrong in hearing the rakyat and improve from there.”

Indeed these were the very word written with the confidence that our government would hear us and stop a bad, unwanted development. We appealed for consideration of an alternative with all our hearts. Today, we see that the government has heard us and is considering the alternative. This is a victory for the rakyat. We believe nobody should stand in the way of good development for the benefit of the people. We are for development, just against bad development.

The tunnel project would cause minimum damage to properties and the need for acquisition of properties would be small, if not at all. This would be a plus point for the tunnel project and a sure rally point of support for the residents. There is the Kinrara Army camp site, Kampung Medan dumpsite and Plus highway as intake and exit points for the tunnel, all underground and beneficial to all.

We urge companies to come forward to take up the minister’s offer and consider the tunnel. We assure you all of our support subject to the good alignment away from Petaling Jaya city centre, independent traffic impact assessment (TIA) report, environmental impact assement (EIA) report, social impact assessment and other reports.

Please ensure the final contract is made public together with the rate of returns. We would be willing to serve on the committee to help plan this project so as to see that the rakyat needs are met. The works minister has kept up to the motto ‘1Malaysia Rakyat Didahulukan’ now.

We hope an open tender will be held and if no local companies come forward, the Works Ministry would proceed to an international tender. We are sure there will be Chinese, Taiwanese and South Korean companies that would come forward to bid for this tunnel project.

We pray that the corporate sector would work on the tunnel toward a better Malaysia, we know that there are companies that would consider this project and successfully complete the tunnel. We on our part ensure you of our full cooperation ab initio (from the beginning).