KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 ― Despite the looming November 15 deadline, Putrajaya is still undecided on whether to extend the RM2.42 billion Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (Kidex) concession agreement.

According to Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof, his ministry has yet to study the highway developer’s reason for seeking the extension and will have to consult the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) first before making any decision on the matter.

The final approval for the controversial highway project, the minister pointed out, ultimately lies with the Selangor government.

“We have not decided ― we have to check with the council (MBPJ). If there is a basis for extension then we have to give extension,” he said when approached in Parliament this week.

The federal minister pointed out that since Selangor Mentri Besar Azmin Ali had said he would thoroughly scrutinise the highway project before deciding on approving it, the ministry would have to wait for the state government to make the first move.

“So which means we still have to wait. At the end of the final approval comes from Selangor state government and MBPJ,” Fadillah added.

He said that although Kidex Sdn Bhd has been actively “engaging” residents, the onus on ensuring proper “public consultation” was the responsibility of the local city council and not the concessionaire.

“The responsibility to call for a public consultation lies with the council. Right now, I am waiting for a report from them if they have done that,” said Fadillah.

He said that the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) is also waiting for the completion of MBPJ's report on the viability of the Kidex project.

MBPJ had appointed an “independent consultant” some months back to pore over impact assessment reports prepared by Kidex Sdn Bhd.

“MBPJ has appointed an independent consultant to do a checking on the report submitted by the company so we have to get that document as well and then decide,” the minister explained.

Last week, Kidex Sdn Bhd confirmed that it has applied to extend its concession agreement ahead of its expiry this Saturday.

An official from the developer firm told Malay Mail Online that the application was submitted a month ago to the Works Ministry, but there has been no response as yet.

Anti-Kidex lobby Say No to Kidex (SNTK) has demanded that Works Minister Fadillah call off the project entirely, claiming that the private developer had failed to meet pre-conditions stipulated by the ministry in the concession agreement a year ago.

Earlier this year, Fadillah said that approval to begin Kidex's construction will only be given once Putrajaya is satisfied that all conditions have been fulfilled by its highway developer.

In a statement then, the minister stated that the company has 12 months from the signing of the concession agreement on November 15, 2013, to fulfill certain stipulated conditions.

The Kidex project has been rejected on three occasions by the city council as the developer failed to provide sufficient details.

Under Section 18 of the Town Country and Planning Act (TCPA), construction cannot start unless a highway fits with the MBPJ’s local plans.

Kidex is currently not incorporated into the council’s blueprint for Petaling Jaya.

Among the areas that could be affected by the project are Tropicana Mall, SS2 Mall, Rothman’s traffic lights, Section 14, Amcorp Mall, Hilton Petaling Jaya, Tun Hussein Onn Eye Hospital, Jalan Templer roundabout, Taman Datuk Harun, Taman Medan Baru and Bandar Kinrara.