PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet has given its preliminary approval for the redevelopment of the Kuala Lumpur Sentral transportation hub, with no financial burden on the government, announced Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
During a press conference on Wednesday (Aug 2), Loke revealed that the Cabinet has agreed to entrust Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) with the task of redevelopment.
“The project, estimated to cost more than RM1 billion, will be carried out through privatization and financed solely by MRCB,” Loke stated.
He added, “The government will not incur any expenses related to this project.” In exchange, MRCB will be granted the rights to develop the area above the transportation hub, constructing commercial and residential buildings.
According to Loke, the redevelopment of Kuala Lumpur Sentral is necessary to accommodate the growing number of passengers utilizing the various modes of transportation available there.
Initially designed to accommodate 100,000 passengers daily, the station now handles double that number, reaching 200,000 passengers.
“The redevelopment will also enable the installation of more sophisticated security systems, including the implementation of artificial intelligence to monitor people’s movements,” Loke explained.
One of the government’s conditions is that the redevelopment must not disrupt the operations of any public transportation.
“The stations will remain in the same location and operate as usual without any disruptions,” he assured.
Loke also disclosed that MRCB and the Public-Private Partnership Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department will engage in discussions to finalize the redevelopment plans, with a two-year timeline for reaching an agreement.
Plans to upgrade the busy transportation hub have been in the works for some time.
In 2021, the then-Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong had revealed that the government was considering a major upgrade for Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station.
Launched on April 16, 2001, the station serves as a transit-oriented development and functions as an intermodal transport hub.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
