Nazri: Build MRT stations at both ends of Bukit Bintang

NST 2011/09/26

KUALA LUMPUR: The construction of Bukit Bintang Central as a main station, as proposed for the Klang Valley MY Rapid Transit (MRT) project, will affect many businesses in the area.
Bukit Bintang businessmen, whose land had been gazetted for the BB Central station, have suggested that two stations should, instead be built, at both ends of Jalan Bukit Bintang, known as BB West and BB East, as originally planned.

Speaking after meeting with the businessmen, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz said he agreed with their proposal.

He promised to convey their concern to MRT Co's chief executive officer Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid after he officially takes over MRT operations from Prasarana Negara Bhd on Oct 1.

"If we have Bukit Bintang Central, which has been proposed to be located in front of BB Plaza, this will cause a problem as we already have a monorail station nearby.

"Besides, if it were to take three to five years to build, businesses in the area will be affected during that period,as well," Nazri said.

This would also cripple the robust businesses of Bukit Bintang, which is known internationally to be a shopping haven, he said.

It was originally proposed that BB West and BB East be built at each end of Jalan Bukit Bintang, but the plan was after public consultation.

However, Nazri said if MRT Co were to to build BB Central, this would affect 68 existing businesses, as their land would need to be acquired to make way for the multimillion project.

He said the move could be avoided if MRT Co were to use an empty piece of land at the old Pavillion cinema to build BB East.

"And MRT Co should think about the social impact, where thousands of people will be out of jobs. I sympathise with them and I believe what they requested is fair," said Nazri.

Yong Yew Wei, adviser to a committee representing the businessmen, said many businesses at Sungei Wang Plaza had closed because of the proposed land acquisition.

He said the businessmen had also sought help from Nazri to de-gazette the land.

Prasarana had said on Aug 22 that 20 lots in Bukit Bintang would be acquired to make way for tunneling works and an underground station.

The issue of land acquisition is governed by the Land Acquisition Act 1960 and the National Land Code. The body that is responsible for the issuance of notices pertaining to land acquisition is the Department of Director General of Land and Mines.