The company said the open tender process for the line’s four main packages was under way, with briefings for the project management consultancy and civil main contractors packages completed.

It said the project will see five Tier 1 main contractors appointed to lead its implementation, while small- and medium-sized construction firms will be involved as work package contractors (WPCs).

The appointment of WPCs will be done through tender exercises starting next year.

“Hence, there will be plenty of opportunities for local construction companies to participate, regardless of size. For now, the focus is on the appointment of civil main contractors at Tier 1,” it said in a statement.

“Based on the tender requirements, there could be six to nine companies which will eventually be named as the civil main contractors in three different joint ventures or consortiums.

“Compared with the MRT1 and MRT2 projects, more companies will be able to participate at Tier 1 in the MRT3 project.”

It said Bumiputera participation was mandatory for all civil main contractor packages.

MRT Corp’s statement followed a report by The Edge that the project was only for major industry players due to how potential bidders would need at least RM1.4 billion in funds to finance the cost of the construction work.

The report also said very few local contractors had the experience in performing at least three tunnel-boring jobs of diameters greater than 6m, a condition reportedly set by MRT Corp.

MRT Corp CEO Zarif Hashim said it intended to have capable Bumiputera industry players involved in the project while serving as active members of their respective joint ventures or consortiums.

“The new approach in project delivery and contracting strategy is a culmination of a decade’s worth of experience of MRT Corp as the asset owner and project developer.

“MRT Corp is confident about the capability and resilience of Malaysian construction players as well as the supporting ecosystem,” he said.