Deputy Minister Ahmad Maslan said the move was in tandem with the success of the first phase of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) line, launched yesterday, which proved that Bumiputera companies were capable of handling and completing massive projects.

“We hope the existing MRT economic model, as directed by Prime Minister Najib Razak, through the Bumiputera Economic Council (MEB), can be adopted for other major projects as well.

“Setting aside 50% of the total MRT project value to Bumiputera companies should be used as a benchmark for other projects.

“The percentage can be increased according to project requirements,” he told reporters after attending a Productivity Day Programme organised by the Malaysia Productivity Council (MPC) and Indkom Engineering Sdn Bhd here today.

Ahmad said the move would also pave the way for qualified Bumiputera companies not only to expand their businesses but also scale greater heights.

“The step to set aside 50% for Bumiputera companies will help enhance Bumiputera equity control in their respective businesses.

“I hope the same model can be applied to other major projects such as the Tun Razak Exchange, East Coast Rail Line and High-Speed Rail projects.”

At the launch of the SBK line yesterday, Najib said although the government had set 43% of the contracts for Bumiputera contractors, 50% of the tenders in the first phase were awarded to them due to their ability to compete and deliver.