Najib: MRT to transform Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR - The Klang Valley Sungai Buloh-Kajang MRT project is a landmark in the effort to transform the country into a modern and high-income nation, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said the MRT was not only an important transportation project for the people of the Klang Valley and Greater Kuala Lumpur, but it would also signify Malaysia's shift to a developed country.

He said while there was excitement when the project was launched two years ago, some were sceptical whether it would get off the ground.

"Today, I am proud to say that the MRT project is on track and its construction on schedule.

"It is one of the crown jewels of the Government and will benefit the people and the country and a benchmark to be achieved as we strive to become a high-income nation in 2020," he said when launching the variable density tunnel boring machine for the MRT project.

The machine is the world's first developed through a joint effort between MMC Gamuda KVMRT Sdn Bhd and Herrenknecht AG.

It is to be used to tunnel through Kuala Lumpur's limestone formation between Bukit Bintang Sentral Station and the Maluri portal.

The Prime Minister said the Government on its part was committed to seeing its effective implementation and had set up an executive council for the project.

The council members comprise the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Auditor-General.
"This is to ensure the MRT project is carried out in utmost transparency and integrity," he added.

Najib said the people had returned Barisan Nasional to power in the 13th general election and with the new mandate, the Government was further committed to ensuring all initiatives spelled out under the transformation programmes were carried out.

(Source: Asia One)