SCOMI may bid for MRT jobs

Scomi Engineering Bhd (7366), a unit of Scomi Group Bhd, says it will consider bidding for some of the supporting packages of the proposed mass rapid transit system, describing it as a "sound" plan for Greater Kuala Lumpur.

Its president Syahrunizam Samsuddin said the company was not specifically looking at the MRT system but areas where it can serve as a feeder or linkage to the main trunk line of the MRT and the light rail transit (LRT).

"We are not involved in the MRT proposal so we are not in a position to speak (about it). However, the MRT is really a major sound plan for Greater Kuala Lumpur as the line will go from north to south and east to west," he said.

Syahrunizam was speaking to reporters at the inauguration of the first four-car train set for the RM1.8 billion Mumbai monorail project at the company's engineering, technology and innovation centre in Rawang, Selangor, yesterday.

"But there are still gaps between the feeder and suburban areas going into the middle trunk line where the LRT and the MRT are going to be servicing. This is where a monorail fits in very well and can provide adequate riderships to the MRT or LRT."
It was reported that a special task force had been set up within the Cabinet Committee on Public Transport to study a proposal for a new three-line MRT system costing more than RM30 billion. It was said that Gamuda Bhd and MMC Corp Bhd had submitted a public transport proposal for the Klang Valley.

The Mumbai monorail project, which is expected to be completed by next year, is a 20km route between Jacob Circle and Chembur, with one central depot and about 18 user-friendly and highly-secured stations.

Each monorail comprising four coaches can accommodate about 600 passengers, thus carrying nearly 300,000 commuters on a daily basis along the proposed route.

The first phase will begin operations by December, while the second will start by next May.

Buoyed by its success in securing the Mumbai monorail contract, Scomi Engineering will continue to look for such opportunities overseas, Syahrunizam said.

"Currently, we are tendering for contracts in several countries, namely Brazil, the United Arab Emirates and India."

As part of its expansion plans in India, Scomi is also considering bidding for another monorail project on the outskirts of Mumbai.

To support this move, Scomi plans to spend about RM40 million to set up a facility in Mumbai.

"Right now, it is still under evaluation. We are looking at 2011. We need to evaluate the locations, potential partners, and assess the supply chain for sourcing in India," Syahrunizam said.