Setia Utama, formerly known as MRCB George Kent Sdn Bhd, said there were no outstanding payments to RKR Bina Sdn Bhd and Apex Communications Sdn Bhd, the WPCs for the project.

It said a protest earlier today by a group of subcontractors and local suppliers for the project was against the China Railway 17th Bureau Group Sdn Bhd (CRCC17).

It added that CRCC17 was the main subcontractor appointed by RKR and Apex.

“These concerns were highlighted to us approximately two months ago and, upon investigation, it was established that all claims submitted by our WPCs, including Apex and RKR, have been paid without hesitation or delay.

“Payment issues faced by CRCC17’s subcontractors are therefore in no relation to Setia Utama. However, we are looking into possible solutions and a way forward to assist all parties to obtain any and all pending payments,” it said in a statement.

Earlier today, more than 50 subcontractors and local suppliers for the LRT3 project had demanded over RM25 million in alleged outstanding payments at a peaceful demonstration.

They requested CRCC17 to settle the outstanding amount, claiming that it has been overdue for more than a year.

Rozaini Aziz, managing director of Izani Wawasan Enterprise Sdn Bhd, said suppliers and subcontractors that completed work for the GS05 and GS06 packages had not been paid.

Rozaini also said several meetings have been held with the higher management of CRCC17, while the subcontractors’ representatives had also sent letters to various parties involved in the LRT3 project.

The LRT3 project spans 37.8km and includes a 2km underpass. The project started in August 2015 and is expected to be completed on Feb 28, 2024.

The project consists of 20 stations and 20,000 parking lots. Each route will be able to transport 18,630 passengers in an hour.