Big projects for contractors in Johor

Hasni (centre) with Iskandar Regional Development Authority chief executive officer Datuk Ismail Ibrahim (left) viewing the exhibits at the launch of the Iskandar Malaysia BRT information booth in Larkin Sentral. — Bernama

JOHOR BARU: The state government has identified more than 500 local contractors to undertake mega public transport projects in Johor. 

State Public Works, Rural and Regional Development Committee chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad said this was in line with Johor Centre for Construction Develop­ment’s purpose to offer contractors development projects here.

The contractors are expected to work on projects such as the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR), Gemas-Johor Baru double-tracking project and the Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

These projects in the state will take place in the next five to 10 years.

“I encourage the contractors to grab the opportunities given by the government,” said Hasni after officiating the Iskandar Malaysia BRT information booth at Larkin Sentral here.

On the BRT, Hasni said the state government was confident that usage of public transport would increase from 15% to 35% once the BRT was up and running in 2021, through its collaboration with the Johor Road Safety Council to encourage people to use public transport.

“BRT routes will include Skudai and Tebrau, which often have bad traffic jams, but we hope with the BRT, it will ease the congestion,” he added.

The Federal Government has allocated RM2.56bil for the BRT project.

It will connect at least 90% of the area in Iskandar Malaysia spanning over 51km.