MMC Corp expects govt to revive MRT3 by year end
MMC Corp Bhd group managing director (MD) Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh expects the government to revive the mass rapid transit 3 (MRT3) project, which is also known as the Circle Line, by year end. The MRT3 project was originally planned to ply through Kerinchi, Jalan Duta, Setiawangsa, Salak Selatan, Pandan Indah and Bandar Malaysia via underground rail tracks. The railway project, however, was terminated a year ago. Che Khalib said if the government could come to a decision by year end, this would enable continuity of workflows in the segment after the completion of MRT2 and MRT3. “Even if the government decides [on it] now, it will take another two years to start the project as land acquisitions, alignments and design for the project will take a long time,” he said. (The Edge)

SkyWorld seeks more land in KL
SkyWorld Development Group, which is acquiring a 5.51 ha site in Setiawangsa for RM176 million from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), is looking to buy more land in the capital city. Founder and group managing director Datuk Ng Thien Phing said the company will continue to focus on developing land in Kuala Lumpur. Since 2013, the city developer has acquired five parcels of land from DBKL totalling about 6.1ha, and launched affordable projects such as SkyAwani @ Sentul, SkyArena @ Setapak and SkyLuxe On The Park @ Bukit Jalil. Ng has said SkyWorld will continue to acquire quality landbank as part of its mission to transform the city skyline. SkyWorld is planning to undertake an integrated development dubbed SkySierra in Setiawangsa. It is set to be the first integrated development in the area with towers dominating the skyline. The project will comprise residential and commercial components, and will have a GDV of more than RM1 billion. (NST Online)

Almost 40% of PH pledges fulfilled: Mahathir
The Pakatan Harapan (PH) government has fulfilled almost 40% of its pledges in its first year of administering the country, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday. He said the government’s performance with regard to fulfilling Government Pledges for the period May 10, 2018 to April 30, 2019 as contained in the “Building Nation and Fulfilling Hope” book was 39.01%. “We have four more years to ensure all the pledges can be implemented and we are confident all can be achieved before our mandate ends,“ he said. The performance was measured through the progress status of 464 Initiatives which are policies and specific actions mentioned in each pledge. “A total of 53 Initiatives or 11.42% have been fulfilled out of 128 Initiatives. Another 283 Initiatives or 60.99% were at the In Planning or Not Yet Started stage,” he said. (The Sun Daily)

MRL to work on new EIA for ECRL in 3Q19
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) expects to work on a new feasibility study and environmental impact assessment (EIA) report for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) in the third quarter of 2019 as the entire rail alignment would be detailed out by then. MRL said the improved deal for the 640-km ECRL project is rakyat-centric and driven by transparency and accountability. This included a reduction of RM21.5 billion or 33% of the project’s cost to RM44 billion, the establishment of a 50:50 joint-venture company between MRL and China Communications Construction Company Ltd for the operation and maintenance of the ECRL, and increased in local participation of Malaysian contractors in the project’s civil works. While the 17.8km long Genting Tunnel is no longer part of the ECRL project, a twin-bore tunnel approximately 7km in length to be constructed in the Jelebu-Semenyih area would help reduce the loss of forest and minimise impact on wildlife. (The Edge)

World-class luge facility to be built in Sungai Buloh
Gamuda Gardens is collaborating with New Zealand tourism company Skyline Enterprises to build a world-class luge facility in Sungai Buloh, Selangor. To be built on a 30,000sqm hill site overlooking Gamuda Gardens’ panoramic greenery, five cascading lakes and two waterfalls, the luge facility will offer the luge and zoom ziplines. The establishment of the site will also include extensive food and beverage offerings. An MoU was also inked for the establishment of a Beaconhouse International School which will offer pre-school to secondary education. In addition, Gamuda Land signed MoUs with six brands in the sports and wellness as well as conveniences sectors, ensuring the community would enjoy an integrated township with facilities and amenities within easy reach. (The Star Online)