AlloyMtd to embark on Philippine MRT-9 project next year

The alternative route being built by South Luzon Tollway Corp, which is a joint venture between the Philippine National Construction Corp and MTD Manila Expressway. The alternative route is part of the South Luzon Expressway rehabilitation and upgrading project.

PUTRAJAYA: AlloyMtd Group will embark on the Metro Rail Transit Line 9 (MRT-9) project in the Philippines by the first half of next year, president and chief executive officer Tan Sri Dr Azmil Khalid said.

“We are currently at the preliminary stage. We have made the proposal to the Philippines government.

“We hope the government will give us the approval so that we can start planning for the construction at least by the first half of next year,” he told Bernama.

The infrastructure conglomerate has inked a joint venture cooperation agreement on Thursday with the East West Group from the Philippines to build MRT-9 at a development cost of US$1bil.

It is understood that the MRT-9 project will span about 9km with 11 stations.

Meanwhile, Azmil said AlloyMtd Group, which has several ongoing projects in Philippines, was expected to complete two development projects, dubbed ‘mini Putrajayas’, by end of this year.

The group has a presence in the Philippines since 2004 and its first project was the South Luzon Expressway.

Azmil was met here after paying a courtesy call on Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in conjunction with the latter’s two-day visit to Malaysia.

“The meeting with the President was good. The President has affirmed that his government will give full commitment to matured investors and give a fast passage to get the approval.

“Duterte also said today that he gives his personal guarantee and if we have any problems we can meet him personally. This to me is the best thing that any president can say, and he gave his message to his cabinet that any proposition must be approved within one month...this is fantastic,” he said.

“In addition, Secretary of Trade and Industry, Ramon M Lopez, in a business forum this morning, had said that the new Philippine administration is committed to encouraging investors to come in and make it easier for them,” he added. - Bernama