The opening of the Bandar Mahkota Cheras (BMC) access road from the Cheras - Kajang Expressway (Route E7) earlier this week has sparked various controversy. The road was constructed some years ago, however, the expressway concessionaire , Grand Saga Sdn. Bhd. claimed that the access road had resulted in loss of toll collection revenue to the company. As a result, concrete barriers were erected, blocking access to the road, requiring highway users to pay a 90 sen toll and enter BMC via Bandar Sungai Long.

There are 2 toll plazas along Route E7 between Cheras and Kajang. Travelling from Cheras to Kajang, a RM1.00 toll is collected at the first toll plaza, and another 90 sen at the 2nd toll plaza, and vice versa. The BMC access road is located in between the 2 toll plazas, while the exit to Bandar Sungai Long is located after the 2nd toll plaza. The opening of the access road allow road users access to BMC by only paying RM1.00 at the first toll plaza, saving on 90 sen at the 2nd toll plaza. Resident were complaining that the closure of the access road has in fact caused severe traffic congestion at the Bandar Sungai Long access road as residents from both townships are now sharing one single access road to the expressway.

With the new Selangor state government in power, leaders from the Pakatan Rakyat coalition comprising DAP, PKR and PAS have opened the BMC access road earlier this week, with protests from the concessionaire stating the loss of revenue. Former Menteri Besar, Khir Toyo from the previous BN administration stated that the state government will have to compensate RM200 million to Grand Saga.

However, State Exco for the Local Government Committee, Ronnie Liu said the access road is on state-owned land and the state government has the right to open the access road connecting BMC to the expressway. Ronnie said that the state government does not have any contract with the concessionaire, hence the government is not obligated to compensate Grand Saga. The contract with Grand Saga is in fact between the Federal Government and the company.

Ronnie also stressed that the Selangor state government is a government for the people. Therefore, the government’s decision is to be to the favor of the people!