MRT 3 to prioritise local firms, says MRT Corp

The project is envisaged to catalyse socio-economic growth throughout the country, increase the nation’s competitiveness and uplift the well-being of Malaysian Family 

By AZALEA AZUAR / Pic Source: MRT Corp’s Facebook

MASS Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd says it will continue to give priority to local contractors, including Bumiputera players, in the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) 3 project. 

Following the government’s approval on MRT 3 project last Friday, CEO Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim thanked Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and the government on behalf of the MRT Corp for the trust given to the company to spearhead this project. 

“As project developer and asset owner of the MRT 3 Circle Line Project, MRT Corp will continue to give priority to local contractors, including Bumiputera players, in order to create business and job opportunities for Malaysian Family,” Mohd Zarif said in a statement. 

MRT Corp said this will be achieved through greater emphasis on local rail system technologies, industrialised building system and building information modelling solutions and upgrading of expertise and skillsets through various programmes such as technical and vocational education and training. 

Mohd Zarif further said this project is envisaged to catalyse socio-economic growth throughout the country, increase the nation’s competitiveness in the region and uplift the wellbeing of Malaysian Family. 

The MRT3 Circle Line will be around 50km and have a circular alignment running along the perimeter of the city of Kuala Lumpur. The alignment will comprise elevated and underground sections and have 31 stations. 

Last Friday, the government has decided to proceed with the MRT 3 project and improve the Sabah Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway (LPB) and flood mitigation projects. 

PM Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said priority will be given to the locals, especially Bumiputera contractors to bring business and employment opportunities for the Malaysian Family. 

“This will drive economic growth and development, as part of the government’s objective to further strengthen the business sector, as well as create 600,000 jobs this year. 

“The government has decided to approve the implementation of the MRT 3 project which will complement the existing public transport infrastructure in the Klang Valley, by providing integrated, affordable and seamless services for the Malaysian Family,” he said in a statement. 

The first phase of the LPB has reached 52% of progress and is expected to be fully completed by October 2024 which involves 15 packages. 

The PM also said that the government has agreed to continue building an additional 19 packages that stretches 367km with a duration of five years. 

“The first phase of LPB Sarawak is as long as 786km and has achieved 78% progress so far. 

“To complement the Sarawak LPB, the government has also agreed to implement the Sarawak- Sabah Link Road and Trans Borneo Highway projects,” Ismail Sabri added. 

The government has allocated RM1 billion per year for flood mitigation projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan. 

However, after taking into account the nationwide floods that occurred last year which has damaged property and life, the Cabinet has also decided to add RM15 billion to fund these projects between the period of 2023 to 2030. 

“The implementation of high impact infrastructure projects in the Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak including the construction of integrated railways and highways as well as flood mitigation projects will catalyse economic development and contribute to national competitiveness and the wellbeing of the people. 

“The decision to implement these projects reflects the government’s concern to provide various opportunities for Malaysian Family and strengthen the momentum of the country’s economic recovery.”