Johor MB: State will scrutinise all projects, and call for open tender

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 12): The Johor government will scrutinise all projects, big or small, and follow an open tender system, said reports.

“Irregardless of the scale of the project, the state government will conduct an open tender system which is a more balanced and fair system,” Mentri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian told the state assembly in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malay Mail reported today.

Osman said that his administration is reviewing all projects approved by the previous state government to make sure "industry giants and concessions do not monopolise them", reported Bernama.

He also reiterated that mega projects in the southern state encompassing the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High Speed Rail (HSR) and Eco Park have not been scrapped, "but were being relooked", reported the English daily.

“The two mega projects, which is HSR and Eco Park in Kulai is not stopped, but it is being looked into.

“This involves research and several things such as its pricing and will take some time to fine tune,” Osman said in reply to questions from Bukit Permai state assemblyman Tosrin Jarvanthi and Panti assemblyman Hahasrin Hashim.

Osman also said that mega projects in Johor such as the Petronas Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development in Pengerang will create about 70,000 jobs, reported the Malay Mail.