He said his ministry and the works ministry were in the process of finalising the terms of reference for the request for proposal (RFP) process to build the bridge.

“The proposed bridge construction project will be implemented through public-private sector collaboration and via privatisation or PFI.

“This cooperation can ensure smooth and transparent implementation of the project through competitive bidding,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today in response to Rozman Isli (Warisan-Labuan) who asked whether the cost for the construction of the bridge would be borne by the government or the private sector.

Annuar said the public-private partnership project could help develop the economy through private investment and reduce the government’s burden.

He said the ministry expected the terms for the RFP to be submitted by interested companies before the end of this year.

“Then it will take about six to eight months to complete the RFP documents in detail to enable bidding.

“By September next year, the bidders will be evaluated and it is expected that in October, we will be able to finalise which method will be used and which company is chosen to build the bridge,” he said.