PETALING JAYA: The government has approved the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit Line 3 (MRT3) project and the expansion of the Pan Borneo Highway (LPB), says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       The Prime Minister said priority would be given to local contractors, especially bumiputras, to generate business opportunities as well as to create employment opportunities.

       “This will spur economic growth and development, in particular the government’s objective of further strengthening the business sector, as well as creating 600,000 jobs this year.

       “The MRT3 project will complement the existing public transport infrastructure in the Klang Valley to provide integrated, affordable and seamless services for Malaysians.

       “In relation to the LPB, the first phase of the Sabah LPB is being implemented and involves 15 packages in which work progress so far has reached 52% and expected to be completed by October 2024.

       “To improve the link, the government has agreed to continue the implementation of 19 additional work packages that will involve an alignment of 367km with a construction period of five years.

       “The first phase of Sarawak LPB will involve a range of 786km and this has achieved 78% work progress so far.

       “To complement Sarawak LPB, the government also agreed to implement the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road project and the Trans Borneo Highway project,” he said in a statement yesterday.

       Ismail Sabri added that the government was currently preparing a development allocation of RM1bil per annum under the 12th Malaysia Plan for flood mitigation.

       “Taking into account the severe north-east monsoon flood phenomenon resulting in loss of lives and damaged property, the Cabinet has decided to increase and expedite flood mitigation projects with an additional expenditure of RM15bil between 2023 and 2030,” he said.

       Ismail Sabri said implementation of high-impact infrastructure projects in the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak would spur economic development as well as contribute to national competitiveness and the well-being of the people.

       In response, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) expressed its gratefulness for the decision to proceed with MRT3.

       “As project developer and asset owner, MRT Corp will continue to give priority to local contractors, including bumiputra players, in order to create business and job opportunities,” said its CEO Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim in a statement.

       He added that all this would be achieved through greater emphasis on local rail system technologies, industrialised building systems, building information modelling (BIM) solutions, and upgrading of expertise and skill sets through various programmes such as technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

       Mohd Zarif said the MRT3 would catalyse socioeconomic growth and increase the nation’s competitiveness.

       MRT3 is an orbital line stretching for around 50km, running along the perimeter of Kuala Lumpur city through a mix of elevated and underground alignments covering 31 passenger stations.