GEORGE TOWN, July 25 — Penang is looking for a partner to roll out its massive RM27 billion transport master plan that will integrate both land and sea networks, including an MRT system, to link both the island and mainland halves of the state.

The state will call an open tender from August 15 to December 16 for the project, which it hopes to start next year and complete it by 2030. “The Penang state government intends to achieve for both Penang Island and Seberang Perai a well-defined and fully connected road network and dispersal system and a well-integrated and sustainable public transport systems (both land and sea mode). “In other words, this will combine buses, trams, MRT and water taxis,” Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng told reporters here today. He said the proposal to appoint a project delivery partner (PDP) is based on the recommendations in the Penang Transport Master Plan.

The PDP will be fully responsible for the delivery of commissioned public transport systems to the state government. “They must meet all the requirements of the federal government, existing laws and relevant authorities,” Lim said. Those bidding can form a consortium or a joint venture with local companies to submit their tender. The paid-up capital or shareholders’ fund of the lead company should not be less than RM500 million. The tenderer must also have a track record of at least two large scale projects with a minimum value of RM500 million in the last five years and at least one highway or public transport project in the last 10 years.

“The state government will consider proposals by the tenderers in regards to funding or business models by way of land swap with development potentials,” Lim said. The master transport plan encompasses both the mainland and the island for an integrated and holistic public transport system that combines buses, trams, MRT and water taxies.

Source: The Malay Mail Online