Land near ECRL stations not given free to Chinese company, says Malaysia’s finance minister

Land near ECRL stations not given free to Chinese company, says Malaysia’s finance minister

PUTRAJAYA, April 23 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Malaysia’s Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng has dismissed allegations that 4,500 acres of land along the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) will be given for free to China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC).

Lim was responding to blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin’s claims that for the RM21.5 billion ‘discount’, CCCC is being given a total of around 4,500 acres of land at seven different industrial parks near the stations where the ECRL stops.

ECRL is back on track with an improved agreement with CCCC, with the cost of the ECRL slashed to RM44 billion from RM65.5 billion previously, a savings of RM21.5 billion.

“I have not been informed about 4,500 acres being given for free. I don’t think it’s correct. Looking at the contract itself, if there is anything additional, you have to go through the Cabinet.

“So far we have not been informed of any additional 4,500 acres that have been given for free, I don’t think so,” he said.

Lim made the remarks after witnessing the signing of an agreement for the Industrial Collaboration Programme between the Malaysian government and Bombardier Hartasuma Consortium at the Finance Ministry here today.

Lim said the official contract details would be revealed.

“As far as I know, it is not given for free. If you look at TOD (transit-oriented development), then it’s not for free. TOD is a standard tool for all infrastructure projects,” he added.

–NNN-BERNAMA

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