SIXTY-SIX individuals from various departments in the Public Works Department (Ministry of Works), Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB Malaysia) and Bumiputera Contractors for the MRT Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya (SSP) Line visited the MRT Project on 1 August 2018.

The visitors for the day were brought to the MRT Information Centre Bandar Malaysia North to gather an in-depth knowledge on the underground section of the Project.

Arriving at 10.15am, these visitors were welcomed by Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) SSP Line Underground Tunnel Director Mr Blaise Mark Pearce, MRT Corp SSP Line Underground Station Director Mr Keith Allenby and MRT Corp Administration and Bumiputera Relations General Manager Encik Zarif Zainul.

The visit began with an overview given by Blaise about the MRT Project. As there were visitors from outside the Klang Valley, he explained the importance and need of MRT service in Kuala Lumpur. Steps taken in ensuring that the best alignment is selected during the pre-construction stage was also highlighted such as ensuring that the alignment covers as many retail, commercial and housing areas.

Blaise also went on to explain that for the MRT Project, Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ) were specifically built for the construction workers. A total of 13,000 workers are currently working on site for the underground section of the Project and this CLQ helps to centralise their accommodation needs. A positive outcome from this is that social problems had been mitigated.

Keith then took over and talked about the underground stations for the SSP Line. As he is the Head of Department of this area of the Project, comprehensive knowledge was obtained by the visitors. Amongst the topics he discussed was the features of each of the 11 underground stations. Here, he explained about the depth levels of the stations and the length of each station being different. This is due to the geographical location of it.

Ampang Park MRT Station, that will be integrated with the LRT service, is the deepest underground station at 45 meters deep. It will have 5 levels to cater for the needs of the users of the MRT service. Besides that, challenges that are faced by engineers when constructing underground stations such as ground conditions and working at site with other existing rail services were also mentioned. Ensuring that stakeholders are well-managed is also key when constructing a mega project of this kind and sufficient prior information need to be disseminated to them. Amongst the major issues faced are road closures due to ongoing construction works.

Zarif then proceeded to give a talk about the Bumiputera participation in the MRT Project. Promoting healthy competition amongst contractors and suppliers whilst supporting the Bumiputera Agenda is part of the procurement strategy of the Project. Building upon the success of the Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line, the Government of Malaysia had allocated 46% at a total value of RM 14 billion worth of contracts specifically catered for Bumiputera contractors.

To date, a total of RM 14.03 million worth of contracts have been awarded. The contracts will roll out all the way up to the completion of the SSP Line in 2022.

Explanation on the way Bumiputera contractors are selected to obtain contracts for the SSP Line was also mentioned. Prior to being able to be shortlisted for a particular contract, these contractors have to go through a screening process conducted by Bahagian Pembangunan Kontraktor & Usahawan (BPKU). A balloting session will then be organised to draw for their respective contracts, of which they will be eligible only upon obtaining approval from BPKU.

A walkabout to the observation deck of the MRT Bandar Malaysia North Station construction site was then led by MRT Corp Senior Project Manager II Encik Mohd Salim Abdul Wahid assisted by MMC-Gamuda KVMRT (T) Sdn Bhd Bandar Malaysia North Station Construction Manager Mr Ng Chee Hong.

Lunch was then served to the visitors.