TSR Capital Bhd through its wholly-owned subsidiary, TSR Bina Sdn Bhd, has received two contracts from Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd, the concessionaire for the massive Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project. It said the contracts are for work packages for the Klang Valley MRT line alignment between Sungai Buloh and Kajang costing RM330mil. The first contract is for the construction and completion of the Kajang Maintenance Depot, external and other associated works costing RM213 million. The second is for the construction and completion of a multi-storey car park, external and related works at the Sungai Buloh MRT station costing RM117 million.  - Business Times

Discussions between Malaysia and Singapore on the high-speed rail project linking Kuala Lumpur and the island city-state is expected to commence soon, says a key official from the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD). According to SPAD chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar, certain parties from Singapore have 'informally' approached the commission on the high-speed rail project. SPAD is in the second phase of a feasibility study, which looks into the corridors, alignment, terminal points and the stops in-between. Its chief development officer Azmi Abdul Aziz said the high-speed rail is targeted to start next year with tenders to be called by end-2013.

Azmi confirmed that 95% of the investments for the project would be domestic-driven. About 60% of the cost will go towards infrastructure development, including civil works and track laying, and about 30%  towards rolling stocks. Sources said the final cost would depend on whether the project would involve an underground rail link between the two neighbouring countries. ' Business Times

Malaysian rubber glove manufacturers say they are bracing for the implementation of the minimum wage policy and removal of natural gas subsidies, both of which will result in higher production costs for industry players. However, Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association president Lim Kwee Shyan said they will pass the incremental expenses to buyers to mitigate the impact from the implementation of both policies. Lim said the minimum wage policy, effective Jan 1 next year, will prompt glove manufacturers to further automate their manufacturing processes. He also said that industry players are requesting for a 'time frame' to adjust to the potential upward revision in gas prices as natural gas is the primary fuel to power their plants. ' The Edge

Source: AmeSecurities