GEORGE TOWN: Penang is one step closer to having the state's first Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.
The state government today announced the start of the pre-qualification stage for the Request for Proposal (RFP) application process for the implementation of the Bayan Lepas LRT.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the pre-qualification stage would last for a month, from July 25 until Aug 24, to enable interested companies to submit their respective information with regards to the implementation of the Bayan Lepas LRT project.
"In recent years, several companies and consortiums have voiced their interest in the implementation of the Bayan Lepas LRT project. Now is their time to show their interest.
"Once they have been shortlisted in the RFP to implement the project, then they can proceed with their respective financing model," he told newsmen here today.
Chow said the payment for the pre-qualification documents for the job scope and such cost RM2,000.
Payment must be made to the Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PIC).
The duration for online registration at https://tender.penanginfra.com/home is two weeks from July 22 to Aug 8 while the duration to download the documents is from July 25 to Aug 14.
Chow said companies interested to participate should submit their documents to the Penang government the latest by noon on Aug 24.
"There is no need for any presentation. The assessment period will be from Aug 25 to Sept 8.
"The companies will be appraised based on their capacity, expertise, experience and financial standing.
"Those who pass this stage will be shortlisted to participate in the RFP process for the Bayan Lepas LRT component," he added.
Penang had proposed an LRT as part of its multibillion ringgit Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
Penang is looking to implement the PTMP, which will comprise an LRT, three paired roads and undersea tunnel to solve traffic problems.
Meanwhile, at the same press conference, Chow also presented RM3,000 to Yeoh Zi Song, 21, who was admitted into the United States' Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for a mathematics course.
Present were his father Yeoh Yean Cheong, mother Tang Siew Ch'ng, and grandmother Teh Eye Keok.