COST-EFFICIENT OPTION
Shahril also denies claims foreign firms preferred over local contractors
MASS Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd has received unsolicited proposals for the Mass Rapid Transit Line 3 project on a turnkey basis with financing. The company says the turnkey model can save the government billions of ringgit.
MASS Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) has received unsolicited proposals to undertake the MRT Line 3 project on a turnkey basis with financing.
“We received the proposals early this year. Those who are willing to participate are regular bidders in the market,” said MRT Corp CEO Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar after a media briefing on the MRT Line 3 project, here, yesterday.
He also dismissed speculations that the Line 3 was targeting foreign firms as “local contractors were not technically experienced”, as claimed by some analysts.
He said both local and foreign firms could bid for the turnkey contract for the project.
“I am in talks with capable (local contractors) almost on a weekly basis. We are not inclined towards any suppliers or countries. This is purely based on merit.
“Our technical requirements are high and strict. It shows that we want the best. We won’t settle for less. We must be better than MRT 1 and MRT 2,” said Shahril.
Local civil infrastructure companies could bid for the turnkey contract by forming consortia or joint ventures (JVs) with foreign players with the technical expertise and know-how, said Shahril.
Building the MRT Line 3 on a turnkey basis is expected to save the government billions of ringgit, compared to calling for tenders and funding from DanaInfra Nasional Bhd.
He also added that the MRT Line 3 would have a minimum 30 per cent Bumiputera participation.
“When you try to get financing from the outside, this could be the conditions the foreigners may not agree on.
“That is why there is no harm in trying. We still have time. These suppliers, contractors and companies are hungry for projects. They may want to consider all these before putting in their bids,” he said.
MRT Corp recently invited industry players to participate in the tender process to build the MRT Line 3 on a turnkey basis.
In a tender notice earlier this month, MRT Corp said the successful applicant would be responsible for the engineering, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning of the 40km MRT Line 3, featuring 32km of twin-bored tunnels and 8km of elevated viaducts.
It will also be expected to develop tunnels, viaducts, stations, depots, track works, rolling stock, signalling, power supply and other related structures.
The third route, which is also known as the circle line due to its circular track, will feature 26 stations, of which 19 stations will be underground and seven stations elevated.
Shahril said the final alignment would be decided following feedback from the public next year.
The public inspection was scheduled to take place in June or July next year for three months, he said.
The tender briefing will be held tomorrow while closing of the tender is on December 29.