The Selangor government has urged the federal government to insert an 'early termination clause' for future highway projects in the state.

"If the concessionaire has reached its projected profits before the concession period ends, then the concession agreement should be terminated early," Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamad Azmin Ali told the state assembly today.

He said this in reply to Batu Tiga assemblyperson Rodziah Ismail's ( left ) question on the state’s position regarding the federal government's plans to build four new highways in Selangor, starting next year.

These are the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (Suke), West Coast Expressway, Damansara-Shah Alam Expressway (Dash), and Eastern Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE).

In addition, Azmin also urged the federal government not to classify the concession agreement as a state secret under the Official Secrets Act (OSA), and to ensure that the agreement is not one-sided in favour of the concessionaire.

The Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyperson also laid out three conditions for any highway projects in the state to meet before the state government would consider its approval, which are the same conditions imposed another highway project, the Kinrara-Damansara Elevated Expressway (Kidex).

These are - independent traffic, social and environment impact assessments showing benefits for residents and road users, public disclosure of the proposed toll rates, toll increases and expected return on investment, and public disclosure of the concession agreement.

In addition, he said the project will be subject to existing laws and procedures imposed by various government agencies.

With regard to Kidex, he said the project has yet to be finalised, and the Highway Authority of Malaysia (LLM) has been directed to continue with its public engagement process.

“Compliance with the terms and conditions is absolutely necessary so that the state government can ensure the safety and well-being of the people from problems with pollution, health, floods, accidents, and high management costs.

“In such matters, the views and opinions of the public and stakeholders needs to be taken into account and given consideration so that their interests are given priority, because it involves tax money paid by the people,” he said.