Up to 40% of ECRL jobs for local firms

China-backed: (from left) Isham, FMM president Datuk Soh Thian Lai and Fang at the event. Isham says the 30-40 ECRL contracts threshold for local companies is basically an understanding between the Chinese and Malaysian parties.

PETALING JAYA: The potential contracts for Malaysian companies under the RM55bil East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) have yet to be firmed up, with its China-based main contractor having the final say on the award of contracts.

According to the International Trade and Industry Ministry deputy secretary-general for trade Datuk Isham Ishak, it is expected that 30%-40% of ECRL jobs will be taken up by local contractors, once the tenders are dished out.