CIMB Research analyst Sharizan Rosely, was quoted by theedgemarkets.com as saying this was because it was the only local contractor with the relevant experience and skillset to manage a rail project on a massive scale.

The tender to appoint the PDP will be called on Nov 22. MyHSR Corp Sdn Bhd had said in a statement two days ago that the PDP would be responsible for developing the detailed design for the infrastructure works. In addition, it will be required to assist with interface management, land acquisition processes and stakeholder engagement activities.
In a note, Sharizan said essentially the PDP would not have a financing role but act mainly as a project manager.

“This is, therefore, similar to the PDP model used for the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) Line (MRT1), which is currently in operation, and the MRT Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya (SSP) Line (MRT2), which is currently under construction,” he said.

This, he added, showed that Gamuda Bhd was a strong contender for the project as it had the skillset and experience via its MMC-Gamuda joint venture.

Gamuda Bhd and MMC Corp Bhd are the PDPs for both MRT1 and MRT2.

“Gamuda Bhd remains our top big-cap rail pick for its exposure to both rail underground civil works and PDP scopes,” he said.

He was quoted as saying that adopting the PDP model could give rise to the possibility that the government – through DanaInfra Nasional – would undertake the financing of the HSR’s infrastructure and civil works, excluding the rail assets.

About 335km of the 350km-long rail line will be located in Malaysia, while the other 15km is in Singapore.

MyHSR Corp hopes to complete the PDP tender in 2018.