MITI targets minimum 50 pct govt contracts for Bumi companies

SHAH ALAM: The International Trade and Industry Ministry has set a target that Bumiputera companies should be allocated at least 50 per cent of the value of large scale contracts given out by government and governmentlinked companies.

Deputy Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan said the move was in tandem with the success of the first phase of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) line, launched Thursday, which proved that Bumiputera companies were capable of handling and completing massive projects.

“We hope the existing MRT economic model, as directed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, through the Bumiputera Economic Council (MEB), can be adapted for other major projects as well.

“Setting aside 50 per cent of the total MRT project value to Bumiputera companies should be used as a benchmark for other projects and the percentage can be increased according to project requirements,” he told reporters after attending a Productivity Day Programme organised by the Malaysia Productivity Council (MPC) and Indkom Engineering Sdn Bhd here yesterday.

Ahmad said the move would also pave the way and create opportunities for qualified Bumiputera companies not only to expand their business but also scale greater heights.

“The step to set aside 50 per cent for Bumiputera companies will help enhance Bumiputera equity control in their respective businesses.

“I hope the same model can be applied for other major projects such as the Tun Razak Exchange, East Coast Rail Line and HighSpeed Rail projects,” Ahmad added.

At the launch of the SBK line yesterday, Najib said although the government had set 43 per cent of the contracts for Bumiputera contractors, 50 per cent of the tenders in the first phase was awarded to them due to their ability to compete and deliver. — Bernama