Centre with database on contractors

JOHOR BARU: Those looking for contractors who are specialised in a particular field can seek help from the Johor Centre for Construction Development (JCCD).

Johor Public Works, Rural and Regional Development Committee chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad said JCCD, which was formed last year, had the database of more than 6,000 Johor-based contractors.

He said the state government did not want any contractor, whether G1 and previously known as Class F to G7 (Class A) contractors, to miss out on the many development opportunities.

He said Johor was entering “exciting as well as challenging times” due to the many mega rail projects.

“We need to ensure all these mega infrastructure projects which will hugely benefit the people are completed on time and according to specifications,” he said, adding that these projects were expected to generate opportunities and spillover effects for local contractors, suppliers and builders.

Among the major projects slated for the state include the High Speed Rail (HSR) project between Singapore and Bandar Malaysia and the Rapid Transit System (RTS) between Singapore and Johor Baru.

Others are the Gemas-Johor Baru double-tracking electrified train project and Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

Hasni said the state also hoped to develop a huge pool of talent in the rail industry.

“We believe that in future the mode of transport, not just in the city but other areas, will emphasise the use of rail systems,” he said.

On any immediate plans for a monorail or Light Transit System (LRT) for Johor Baru, Hasni said it all depended on ridership.

“Presently, we do not have the numbers, which is why the BRT will involve the expansion of major roads from four to six lanes.

“The buses will travel on the centre two lanes. Once the response is good, we can convert the centre lanes of the roads for LRT or monorail use,” he said, adding that the first phase of the BRT project was between Johor Baru and Kota Iskandar.

He said the other phases would involve Johor Baru-Jalan Skudai and Johor Baru-Jalan Tebrau.

On other road maintenance projects, Hasni said RM650mil had been allocated to maintain all roads in the state annually.

“We have three concessionaires who maintain all our roads,” he said, adding that so far they have met the requirements set in their key performance index.