Iskandar to submit 10MP wish list

Better transport and security are among the main focus areas for the Iskandar Malaysia development corridor under the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP)

The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) is in the process of submitting its wish list for allocations under the 10MP to the Federal Government.

Irda executive director Harun Johari said the RM6.8 billion allocation under the Ninth Malaysia Plan had already been used for road-building, to clean up rivers and upgrade the drainage system.

"For the Tenth Malaysia Plan, we will be focusing on improving transport and implementing our security master plan," he said on Thursday.

Harun added that since the 9MP ends in December, it was essential for Irda to obtain the necessary funding for the 10MP.

"All 9MP projects which are under way are scheduled for completion by the end of 2011."

Speaking at a media briefing at the Irda office here, Harun said Irda had adopted best practices for the 9MP projects.

The main focus of these projects are traffic management, sustainability of the environment and safety.

"A trial run of the traffic management plan, for instance, was held recently to simulate its impact on road users," he said.

Contractors also relocated 530 trees affected by projects within the vicinity of the Inner Ring Road, Jalan Kolam Air and Jalan Skudai-Senai in an effort to preserve environmental sustainability.

The problem of noise pollution has also been addressed, Harun said.

"Pile boring techniques for pile foundations were introduced to replace the conventional method of using hydraulic hammers, which is noisy and causes vibrations."

Before the works were carried out, studies were also conducted to reduce the environmental impact on nearby hospitals, residences and schools.

Safety officers also inspected work sites to ensure that international safety standards were being adhered to.

Blinkers, barricades, safety cones and flagmen were stationed at work areas to alert drivers and motorcyclists.

"These measures are part of our efforts to achieve international standards in our projects.

"Iskandar Malaysia intends to strike a balance between the human and physical aspects of development whilst promoting a sustainable environment," Harun added.

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/JohorBuzz/Wednesday/Stories/2487685/Article/index_html