PUTRAJAYA (April 15): Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today revealed that the original agreement to build the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project did not stipulate the required local contractor participation.

"In the original document there was nothing about Malaysian share of the construction, but now we have included the participation by Malaysian side in the construction of the rail," he told a press conference here.

Under the new supplementary agreement signed on April 12, Dr Mahathir said China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC) has agreed to ensure 40% of the civil works are awarded to local contractors.

"It depends on the contractor (CCCC) how it prepares to work with Malaysian contractors, but that is the agreement, that 40% of the works must be done by Malaysian companies," he said.

Related:

ECRL cost reduction has nothing to do with Jho Low's location, says Dr M
PM Mahathir: M'sia yet to finalise ECRL loan from China Exim Bank
ECRL payment will be based on work progress, says Dr M
PM Mahathir: China Communications to refund part of ECRL RM3.1b advance payment
Malaysia and China to jointly manage ERCL
Terminating ECRL will cost Putrajaya RM21.78b, says Dr M
M'sia and China yet to finalise ECRL operational details
ECRL cost reduction has nothing to do with Jho Low's location, says Dr M