Bandar Mahkota Cheras developer Narajaya Sdn Bhd has issued a press statement asserting that it had obtained approval from the relevant authorities to build a toll-free access road and that it has no obligation to compensate Cheras-Kajang Highway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd.  

“Plans for the access road were approved by the state government in 1992 before the concession agreement for the Cheras-Kajang Highway was signed in 1995,” the statement read.  

“The access road, built at a cost of RM16mil, will benefit residents and road users of the various housing schemes, including those by other developers in the locality,” added the statement. 

The developer also refuted the concessionaire’s claims that they had to compensate, as it was a condition required in the approval.  

Tan (seated, centre) and fellow committee members Jackson Kang (left) and Chan Cha Chun are unsatisfied with Narajaya’s explanation in a press statement.

“All the necessary approvals have been obtained from JKR (Public Works Department), MPKj (Kajang Municipal Council), LLM (Malaysian Highway Authority) and Selangor Town Planning Department accordingly. 

“As the access road was approved before the concession was awarded to Grand Saga, Narajaya has no contractual obligation with it.  

“All the above approvals do not contain any provision for toll collection or compensation for traffic leakage,” said the statement. 

Bandar Mahkota Cheras Toll-Free Access Road Committee chairman Tan Boon Wah said residents wanted to Narajaya to show evidence to support their claims, and requested a meeting with group chairman Tan Sri William Cheng to clarify the matter.  

“We have not been given a clear picture of what is going on,” said Tan.  

He added that following the many peaceful protests staged by the residents and the appointment of Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai as mediator, all parties had agreed to meet, except the developer.  

He said the residents would stage a demonstration at the developer's headquarters Menara Citibank if they hear no reply.  

“We will give the developer until Oct 7, the day when we organise a lantern festival for the residents, to meet us.  

“If not, we will announce when we will hold the demonstration. 

“However, we hope that will not happen,” he said.  

He said the developer had an obligation to resolve the issue as they had promised to do so in advertisements.  

He added that Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu had read out the terms of an agreement in Parliament last Tuesday reiterating that the developer had to compensate the concessionaire.  

“If Narajaya says they do not, they should support that with evidence, show it to us, not just make press statements,” Tan added.