BUMIPUTERA contractors are eager to grab a slice of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) now that Putrajaya has revived the mega-project, which was exclusively given to mainland Chinese contractors by the previous administration.

Tukiman Radion, president of the Class F Bumiputera Contractors’ Association, said he hoped that the new 40% quota for local contractors would not merely be a “paper pledge”.

“We hope that the distribution of project contracts would be planned in the best way possible and distributed in a transparent manner to Class F contractors based along the entire ECRL route.

“I hope it’s not just a paper pledge. We hope it becomes a reality and that they award the projects to Class F contractors as soon as possible.

“The best way is for the projects to be given via an open ballot, so that everyone has a fair chance. That is my hope,” Tukiman told The Malaysian Insight.

Last Friday, Putrajaya ended months of uncertainty and speculation when it announced that the China-backed rail project would continue, albeit with a route shortened by 40km and correspondingly lower price tag.

The new cost for Phase 1 and 2 of the ECRL is now pegged at RM44 billion, a saving of RM21.5 billion from its original cost of RM65.5 billion.

The new deal also stipulates that there has to be 40% participation from local firms for civil works, as opposed to only 30% under the previous contract.

In August 2017, Tukiman expressed disappointment that Barisan Nasional did not give Class F contractors a fair opportunity to bid for projects in the ECRL.

Class F contractors, now called G1 contractors, are allocated jobs valued below RM200,000. The licences for these jobs are given specifically to Bumiputera contractors.

Tukiman said all 26,449 Class F contractors have extensive experience managing projects related to railworks, as many of them were involved in the development of the Mass Rapid Transit project.

“The cancellation of the ECRL had no effect on us as we were not involved, but now that it has been revived, we hope that there will be opportunities for contractors like us.

“MRT, as a whole, had Class F contractors. The project was awarded via open tender and distribution was very transparent. This can be an example for the distribution of projects for the ECRL project.”

He stressed that they be given a chance to showcase their skills and professionalism.

“Give us any kind of work, give us specifications, and Class F contractors will get it done,” said Tukiman.

President of the Malaysian Malay Contractors Association (PKMM) Mokhtar Samad said the group will arrange for an immediate meeting with government representatives to discuss the resumption of works on the ECRL.

“As contractors, we welcome this news and I urge all members of the organisation with the right experience to take up the challenge of the prime minister to be involved in the ECRL works,” he said. – April 19, 2019.