The Penang government is hoping to call for an open tender for the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) projects in the second half of next year.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state and the project delivery partner were looking at the financial structure and other aspects of the PTMP.

“The second half (target) is more realistic. The first half is a bit too soon.

“We welcome those interested to put in their proposals and their bids (when the tender is called) so that the government can choose the best ‘solution’ to help us realise the projects under the PTMP.

“I believe that there will be many consortium of companies that will be interested,” Chow told reporters after delivering his keynote address at the Penang Transport Forum 2019: Unlocking Mobility in Penang Through Rail at St Giles Wembley Hotel in George Town today.

Chow was referring to the Penang South Reclamation (PSR), Pan Island Link 1 (PIL1) and Bayan Lepas LRT projects.

“Like it or not, it (the PSR) is the financial model to support the (other) two projects.

“The three projects (PSR, PIL1 and Bayan Lepas LRT) are ‘bundled together’,” Chow said, adding that several consortium of companies and banks had expressed interest in taking part in the projects.

Chow said that works within each project could be packaged out.

“Works such as the civil structural works, the system, and others can be packaged out.

“We have no restriction on foreign companies bidding for the projects. They may also work together with local companies. I believe that the projects are quite big.

“Of course, we welcome local participation,” he said.

Chow said that the PTMP is viable.

“If the PTMP is not viable, companies and banks would not have come forward and they would not have formed consortiums to arrange the financing of the projects.

“This gives us the confidence to move ahead since it is financially possible to deliver the PTMP projects,” he added.

Source: Buletin Mutiara