In view of the recent news and proceedings involving the East Klang Valley Expressway or EKVE, the EKVE Sdn Bhd would like to officially address several matters which require the attention of stakeholders.

In line with our beliefs to be a responsible expressway developer, we have had, and continue to have close interactions with the residents living nearby Taman Rimba Ampang. Our interactions are in the form of regular face-to-face updates to the residents. We are especially grateful by the level of support that they have shown for our project and our constant communication.

EKVE strictly ensures that we are the touch points, communicating the progress of the development to the residents.

As part of our approvals process, we had conducted a public opinion survey of which the results showed a strong level of support with more than 86.8 percent in favour of the expressway. We remain and will continuously be cooperative, keeping close to the local community’s initiatives, by ensuring their requests are met and concerns addressed.

In the pipeline, we will be involving various stakeholders of the projects including the media to be part of our initiatives in ensuring transparency and credibility in the workflow of EKVE. We are also working on programmes to further address and act as comprehensive solutions towards issues that are brought into attention by other direct stakeholders of EKVE. These initiatives will be announced in due time.

EKVE also wishes to state that Taman Rimba Ampang has never been closed to visitors and is still open to recreational use.

The expressway traverses along the edge of Taman Rimba Ampang and as such no closure is strictly necessary to facilitate the construction of EKVE. EKVE Sdn Bhd has thoroughly ensured that all planning and works are done with the highest quality controls in mind, and based on approved development plans by the relevant authorities.

As part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) effort, we have proposed to the state authorities to upgrade Taman Rimba Ampang, totally borne by us. At present, the condition of Taman Rimba Ampang has reached a state where it is inconvenient for those wishing to enjoy facilities and its beauty. With respect to construction works, our present works programme does not entail nor require the closure of Taman Rimba Ampang.

EKVE Sdn Bhd wishes to thank all our key stakeholders for their support and concerns. We also wish to reassure that the development strictly adheres to regulations that have been set out in order to provide viable long-term benefits and solution to the residents of the area and future users of the expressway.

MOHD KHALID MOHAMED is senior general manager of EKVE Sdn Bhd.