Ipoh-Padang Besar railway project on schedule
Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha says 44 percent work on the railway line running 329km and crossing Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis had been completed.
The Ipoh-Padang Besar electrified railway double-tracking project (PLBKE) will be completed in December 2013 as scheduled, Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha said.
He said 44 percent work on the railway line running 329km and crossing Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis had been completed.
"We have 16 uncompleted land reclamation cases involving property owners in Penang and Kedah who are unhappy with the compensation offered.
"This project will not be delayed and I am confident that the problem will be resolved soon," he told reporters after visiting the project site at Jalan Telok Wanjah in Alor Setar today.
Good cooperation from state, local govts
Kong (right) said the government had paid compensation to 2,692 landowners, 2,007 houseowners and squatters and over 1,300 commercial buildings and worship houses in the four states.
"The state governments and local authorities have given good cooperation to the ministry and developer.
"I believe that they understand the project's importance to the people and economy."
He said the government took serious view of problems faced by the people including floods and flash floods.
The project will create 108,000 job opportunities and spur development of the Northern Corridor Economic Region.
Kong said work on the Gemas-Johor Baru electrified railway double-tracking project will start soon while the Seremban-Gemas stage is under construction.
- Bernama
