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12-02-2008: MCCM claims backing for Seremban-Johor railway project
by Aznita Ahmad Pharmy

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (MCCM) said its proposal to become the lead contractor in the Seremban-Johor double-tracking railway project, valued at RM10 billion, has won the backing of Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.

Its president Syed Ali Alattas said the minister was supportive of MCCM’s proposal but the chamber would have to wait for the final word from the prime minister. “We are now awaiting approval from the prime minister,” he told reporters yesterday.

Syed Ali advised contractors who were interested in the Electrified Double Tracking Project (EDTP) to co-operate with the chamber, instead of competing with them.

“We never handled any projects under the previous Malaysia plans,” he said. “We would like to take this first opportunity to be involved in the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) and prove our capability.”

Syed Ali said the stretch of Seremban-Johor railway track was 330 km long and had 81 bridges. Construction of the project could be completed within four years and the chamber was able to source technical support required to undertake the project from China and India companies, he added.

Meanwhile, MCCM also announced yesterday it had formed a 30-member committee to monitor the work performance of bumiputera contractors undertaking works on the Ipoh-Padang Besar portion of the EDTP.

Syed Ali said the committee would comprise representatives from MCCM, Finance and Transport Ministries, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and Gamuda-MMC joint venture (JV).

“We hope the committee would get the support from all involved especially from related government officers and those from Gamuda-MMC,” he said.

MCCM recently agreed to a 30% total distribution of the project to bumiputera contractors, including those given subcontract works by the Gamuda-MMC JV. Nine of the 24 bumiputera contractors selected by Gamuda-MMC are MCCM members.