Come see me if you’re shy to bid for ECRL jobs, Daim tells local contractors

KUALA LUMPUR: The prime minister’s special envoy to renegotiate the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) contract with China has assured local contractors of jobs in the multi-billion project recently resumed with a revised route and price tag.

Daim Zainuddin said up to 40% of the jobs could be made available to local and Bumiputera contractors, including in technical works for the construction of the 640km rail link.

“If they do not have the capability, they need to work closely with foreign experts because there are just too many packages offered,” he was quoted as saying in an interview with Bernama.

Daim also said interested contractors should approach Malaysia Rail Link (MRL), which owns the project.

“This is an international tender, and (applicants) must be proactive. Don’t wait for jobs to come to you. Don’t wait for people to call. Don’t criticise without facts.

“Come to me if you are shy, I will help those who are really capable. Don’t expect the government to come to you, you have to be prepared and meet the industry players,” he said.

Last week, the government announced that the ECRL project was back on track after the cost of construction for two phases was reduced from RM65.5 billion to RM44 billion.

MRL and China Communications Construction Company Ltd have signed a supplementary agreement for the construction of two phases of the massive project. - FMT