PUTRAJAYA has hit the brakes on five rail transport projects worth RM650 million that were awarded via direct negotiation by the previous government, said Anthony Loke.

In a statement, the transport minister said the projects were reviewed by the ministry but had not been awarded yet.

“The execution of procurements through the tender process is in line with the new government’s commitment to limit the practice of awarding projects through direct negotiation,” Loke said.

He said the five projects, four involving works on railway tracks in the east coast and one for the appointment of a consultant for the Klang Valley Double Tracking Phase 2 (KVDT2) project – will now be implemented through open or limited tender, he said.

The five projects are:

*Stabilisation works and re-profiling of slopes at train tracks in Pahang (between Mentakab and Merapoh).

*Stabilisation works and re-profiling of slopes at train tracks in Kelantan (Gua Musang-Tumpat).

*Repairs on the Gua Musang-Tumpat train track (Package C)

*Repairs and upgrades on the Gemas-Mentakab train track (Package A)

 *Appointment of an independent checking consultant (ICC) for the Klang Valley Double Tracking Phase 2 (KVDT2). –  December 20, 2022.