Malaysia has overhauled the planned construction and management of the second bridge in Penang, a move that could radically alter how the government awards contracts for large infrastructure projects under its privatisation programme.
Government officials say that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has decided to break up the key elements of the project ─ the construction of the bridge and the concession to collect tolls.
Under the current plan, state-controlled United Engineers Malaysia (UEM) and China Harbour Engineering, owned by the Chinese government, will jointly carry out the project.
UEM also has a preliminary agreement with the government for rights to collect tolls on the second link.
Under the new plan, the government will scrap that agreement and open the rights to collect tolls and operate the bridge to public tender.
Courtesy: Malaysian Insider
