Buy before it's too late

马来西亚即将与中国达成协议 逾千亿高铁项目将重启(股)
2019-04-03 06:50:00

金融界网站

年报地雷股名单
据报道，马来西亚谈判特使达姆-扎因丁最新表示，中方代表已邀请马来西亚方面于4月2日访华，并于下月第一周结束东海岸铁路计划（ECRL）谈判。

马来西亚东海岸铁路项目是“一带一路”框架下的中马合作项目，实际造价近810亿令吉，约合1300亿元人民币，是迄今为止中马两国最大的经贸项目。项目的实施不仅极大地促进当地商贸、物流、进出口及旅游业的发展， 也将进一步加大中马两国间的经济交流。

A股公司中：

凯发电气：主营铁路、轨道交通自动化控制系统，具有丰富的国际技术合作经验；

飞鹿股份：专注于轨道交通装备防腐服务，已获得京沈高铁、合安高铁、济青高铁等多个客户订单。

Buy before it's too late

Go go wct go...

The Sun Daily
> Local
Local contractors to benefit from ‘upbeat’ railway industry, say analysts
17 FEB 2019 / 11:07 H.
Local contractors to benefit from ‘upbeat’ railway industry, say analysts
Pix for representational purpose only.
KUALA LUMPUR: Despite “some changes” being seen in the local railway industry involving the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) and the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) projects, analysts remain upbeat as the continuance of other projects is set to benefit local contractors.

To name a few, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) 3 and Mass Rapid Transit 2 (MRT) 2 with a combined value of RM40 billion would likely sustain industry earnings, in the immediate to medium-term, said MIDF Research analyst Danial Razak.

“While the cost revisions were significant, we believe the move is rational. Should the costs be maintained in defiance of economic discipline, we do not rule out the possibility of the government shouldering a bigger fiscal risk, moving forward.

Nonetheless, getting the green light to continue with such large scale projects is actually a big relief for the industry as a whole.

Danial remained bullish on the outlook for the local rail industry as these projects would continue to benefit Sunway Construction, WCT Holdings, Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB), Gamuda Bhd, Muhibbah Engineering (M) Bhd and Gabungan AQRS Bhd - the big time local contractors involved in rail industry.

He said WCT, for example, had secured three LRT3 contracts with a combined value of RM1.7 billion for jobs involving depot, stations and viaduct works.

At its recent extraordinary general meeting, MRCB announced that construction of the LRT3 projects were expected to resume in the second half of 2019. Only 10% of the project works have been completed, thus far.

To recap, the project was stalled for almost a year, pending review in light of the revelation by the Finance Ministry that the total cost (of the line) had ballooned to RM31.65 billion.

The ministry then approved the 36km-long track project for RM16.3 billion, down a whopping 47%, from its original cost.

“While some train depots will be downsized, we think the impact on WCT’s package will be minimal. This is considering the fact that phase one of the Johan Setia depot is nearing completion.

“Muhibbah Engineering has also clinched few noise barrier packages for LRT3 and MRT2. We believe the impact on these packages will also be minimal,” he said.

At the close of trading on Friday, Sunway Construction was two sen better atRM1.57, WCT Holdings perked half-a-sen to 84 sen, Gamuda improved three sen to RM2.79, Muhibbah Engineering was flat at RM2.92, Gabungan AQRS shed two sen to RM1.02 and MRCB slipped one sen to 72 sen.

Danial added that since Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the 14th General Election, the sell down on the construction counters were overdone, which had unveiled attractive levels for entry.

“We opined that the recovery in share price has been underpinned by the evident valuation gap, supported by company-specific ability to weather the current industry pullback,” he said.

Asked on the challenges, he said contractors would move towards executing and completing the projects.

The conversion from project delivery partner to turnkey structure means contractors would need to bear the execution risk.

“Managing the risk well will likely translate to better margins in terms of the bottom line.

“In terms of prospects, we think the revival of the multi-billion ECRL project is most uncertain in the near-term and negotiations could still be prolonged due to challenges in reaching an amicable agreement between the stakeholders,” he added.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was reported as saying that the status of RM81 billion project was still unsure at this point of time.

Meanwhile, Dr Shahrin Nasir, Deputy Director (Industrial Linkages and Commercialisation), Malaysia Institute of Transport, Universiti Teknologi MARA said if the ECRL project was cancelled and the HSR postponed, it would affect the development of the rail sector.

“If Keretapi Tanah Melkayu Bhd can upgrade its electric train services, it would ensure that the rail industry remains important in the country.

“Current rail services need to be improved for the industry to remain relevant,” he concluded.

Gkent kent is mrcb sub contractor and ecrl cccc main contractor jv partner before if not mistaken

Rm 2 coming

Gkent already shooting up.
Go go wct go

Yesssssssss... its not too late to buy.
Go go mrcb go

Buy

Cccc is the main contractor for ecrl

China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC) and its joint-venture (JV) partner George Kent (M) Bhd

Hahaha u like it or not, wct will fit high
All the best

Buy before it's too late

Buy before it's too late

Buy before it's too late

All the ecrl related counter already up, let's celebrate ecrl festival for whole month.
Rm2 coming

Don't forget gkent too

All the ecrl related counter already up, let's celebrate ecrl festival for whole month.
Rm2 coming

All the ecrl related counter already up, let's celebrate ecrl festival for whole month.
Rm2 coming

Go go wct go...

KUALA LUMPUR: The fate of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is close to being finalised with just some minor details to be sorted out.

Tun Daim Zainuddin, who will lead a delegation from Malaysia to China to mend ties with the world’s second largest economy and Malaysia’s largest trading partner, says the team from China has been working with Malaysian officials for some time on the project and all that is left are some small issues to be ironed out.


ADVERTISEMENT

“We are almost there. Just need to tighten the screws here and there,” he says.

Daim says the Chinese companies were not in the wrong over the contract but it was an uphill task to convince them (to renegotiate).

ADVERTISING


“So let’s sit down and talk,” he says.

The ECRL project has been halted since July 3 last year. The 688km rail link, if built, will connect Port Klang in Selangor with Pengkalan Kubor in Kelantan, and will be constructed in two phases.

Daim says he has been in touch with the relevant parties in China and both countries have reached a decision to finalise the agreement.

Whether a final reworked agreement can be reached, Daim says: “We say Insya-Allah. But men have to work.”

Daim will brief Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad of the developments over the ECRL and will head to China next month. It is an important trip so that any past friction between both countries could be smoothened out given the long historical ties both countries have shared.

“That is the objective. We have been friends for a long time and trading for centuries.

“We know them and have a long history of ties. We are the first country in Asean to establish relations with China.

“Those days they were poor and needed our help. But now, they are the second largest economy and soon will be the first. Like it or not, they are there,” he says.

Mending ties that seem to have been fractured is important as after Pakatan Harapan took power, contracts with Chinese companies, particularly the ECRL, were jettisoned. Negotiations have continued to resolve the impasse and both countries seem to have mended their differences and are back on the footing they had in the past.

Dr Mahathir said last week that Daim’s role as chief negotiator over the ECRL was important based on his expertise and capabilities.

He told Parliament that the government appointed Daim as an adviser to the Prime Minister to lead the negotiation process with China to ensure a win-win solution could be obtained.

“He was chosen because of certain capabilities. Sometimes when we are negotiating, we need a person who will be accepted by the other party.

“We face certain challenges in choosing the best person to carry out the negotiations.

“That is why we chose someone outside (the government) after making the evaluation as to who was best suited and capable to discuss with China,” he said.

Daim also says the issues surrounding water supply need urgent attention to make sure people and industries have enough supply of clean water.

He says the situation in Johor and Kedah is acute and there is little or no reserves in states such as Selangor.

“My own view is that water, electricity and telecommunications are strategic industries or infrastructure, and that is where Khazanah Nasional must come in.

“It costs a lot of money and has to benefit everybody,” he says.

TAGS / KEYWORDS:


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/03/31/fate-of-ecrl-close-to-being-finalised-says-daim/#bqWWR1rriUKyvyMW.99

Lrt3 for example, ecrl project will be the same.
Gkent will continue as sub contactor for mrcb

KUALA LUMPUR: The fate of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is close to being finalised with just some minor details to be sorted out.

Tun Daim Zainuddin, who will lead a delegation from Malaysia to China to mend ties with the world’s second largest economy and Malaysia’s largest trading partner, says the team from China has been working with Malaysian officials for some time on the project and all that is left are some small issues to be ironed out.


ADVERTISEMENT

“We are almost there. Just need to tighten the screws here and there,” he says.

Daim says the Chinese companies were not in the wrong over the contract but it was an uphill task to convince them (to renegotiate).

ADVERTISING


“So let’s sit down and talk,” he says.

The ECRL project has been halted since July 3 last year. The 688km rail link, if built, will connect Port Klang in Selangor with Pengkalan Kubor in Kelantan, and will be constructed in two phases.

Daim says he has been in touch with the relevant parties in China and both countries have reached a decision to finalise the agreement.

Whether a final reworked agreement can be reached, Daim says: “We say Insya-Allah. But men have to work.”

Daim will brief Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad of the developments over the ECRL and will head to China next month. It is an important trip so that any past friction between both countries could be smoothened out given the long historical ties both countries have shared.

“That is the objective. We have been friends for a long time and trading for centuries.

“We know them and have a long history of ties. We are the first country in Asean to establish relations with China.

“Those days they were poor and needed our help. But now, they are the second largest economy and soon will be the first. Like it or not, they are there,” he says.

Mending ties that seem to have been fractured is important as after Pakatan Harapan took power, contracts with Chinese companies, particularly the ECRL, were jettisoned. Negotiations have continued to resolve the impasse and both countries seem to have mended their differences and are back on the footing they had in the past.

Dr Mahathir said last week that Daim’s role as chief negotiator over the ECRL was important based on his expertise and capabilities.

He told Parliament that the government appointed Daim as an adviser to the Prime Minister to lead the negotiation process with China to ensure a win-win solution could be obtained.

“He was chosen because of certain capabilities. Sometimes when we are negotiating, we need a person who will be accepted by the other party.

“We face certain challenges in choosing the best person to carry out the negotiations.

“That is why we chose someone outside (the government) after making the evaluation as to who was best suited and capable to discuss with China,” he said.

Daim also says the issues surrounding water supply need urgent attention to make sure people and industries have enough supply of clean water.

He says the situation in Johor and Kedah is acute and there is little or no reserves in states such as Selangor.

“My own view is that water, electricity and telecommunications are strategic industries or infrastructure, and that is where Khazanah Nasional must come in.

“It costs a lot of money and has to benefit everybody,” he says.

TAGS / KEYWORDS:


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/03/31/fate-of-ecrl-close-to-being-finalised-says-daim/#bqWWR1rriUKyvyMW.99

KUALA LUMPUR: The fate of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is close to being finalised with just some minor details to be sorted out.

Tun Daim Zainuddin, who will lead a delegation from Malaysia to China to mend ties with the world’s second largest economy and Malaysia’s largest trading partner, says the team from China has been working with Malaysian officials for some time on the project and all that is left are some small issues to be ironed out.


ADVERTISEMENT

“We are almost there. Just need to tighten the screws here and there,” he says.

Daim says the Chinese companies were not in the wrong over the contract but it was an uphill task to convince them (to renegotiate).

ADVERTISING


“So let’s sit down and talk,” he says.

The ECRL project has been halted since July 3 last year. The 688km rail link, if built, will connect Port Klang in Selangor with Pengkalan Kubor in Kelantan, and will be constructed in two phases.

Daim says he has been in touch with the relevant parties in China and both countries have reached a decision to finalise the agreement.

Whether a final reworked agreement can be reached, Daim says: “We say Insya-Allah. But men have to work.”

Daim will brief Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad of the developments over the ECRL and will head to China next month. It is an important trip so that any past friction between both countries could be smoothened out given the long historical ties both countries have shared.

“That is the objective. We have been friends for a long time and trading for centuries.

“We know them and have a long history of ties. We are the first country in Asean to establish relations with China.

“Those days they were poor and needed our help. But now, they are the second largest economy and soon will be the first. Like it or not, they are there,” he says.

Mending ties that seem to have been fractured is important as after Pakatan Harapan took power, contracts with Chinese companies, particularly the ECRL, were jettisoned. Negotiations have continued to resolve the impasse and both countries seem to have mended their differences and are back on the footing they had in the past.

Dr Mahathir said last week that Daim’s role as chief negotiator over the ECRL was important based on his expertise and capabilities.

He told Parliament that the government appointed Daim as an adviser to the Prime Minister to lead the negotiation process with China to ensure a win-win solution could be obtained.

“He was chosen because of certain capabilities. Sometimes when we are negotiating, we need a person who will be accepted by the other party.

“We face certain challenges in choosing the best person to carry out the negotiations.

“That is why we chose someone outside (the government) after making the evaluation as to who was best suited and capable to discuss with China,” he said.

Daim also says the issues surrounding water supply need urgent attention to make sure people and industries have enough supply of clean water.

He says the situation in Johor and Kedah is acute and there is little or no reserves in states such as Selangor.

“My own view is that water, electricity and telecommunications are strategic industries or infrastructure, and that is where Khazanah Nasional must come in.

“It costs a lot of money and has to benefit everybody,” he says.

TAGS / KEYWORDS:


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/03/31/fate-of-ecrl-close-to-being-finalised-says-daim/#bqWWR1rriUKyvyMW.99

You like it or not, gkent will shoot UP like rocket.
Ecrl good news will out soon

You like it or not, mrcb will shoot UP like rocket.
Ecrl good news will out soon

You like it or not, wct will shoot UP like rocket.
Ecrl good news will out soon

Hahaha

UP UP and the way

Change in the Interest of Substantial Shareholder (201903283600127)
Company Name WCT HOLDINGS BERHAD
Stock Code / Short Name 9679 / WCT
Date & Time Announce 28/03/2019 05:09:47 PM
Subject Changes in Sub. S-hldr's Int (Section 138 of CA 2016)

Content
Substantial Shareholder's Particulars
Name : EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND BOARD
Address : Tingkat 19, Bangunan KWSP, Jalan Raja Laut 50350 Kuala Lumpur Wilayah Persekutuan Malaysia
NRIC/Passport No/Company No. : EPF ACT 1991
Nationality/Country of Incorporation : Malaysia
Descriptions(Class & nominal value) : Ordinary Shares

Name & address of registered holder
You are advised to read the entire contents of the announcement or
attachment.To read the entire contents of the announcement or attachment,please
access the Bursa website at http://www.bursamalaysia.com

Details
Date of Change No of shares Price Transacted(RM) Transaction type
25/03/2019 262,800.000 0.000 Acquired

Description of other type of transaction :
Circumstances by reason of which change has occured

Nature of interest : Direct Interest
Direct (units) : 130,415,742
Direct (%) : 9.450%

Indirect/deemed interest(units) : 0
Indirect/deemed interest(%) : 0.000%

Total no of shares after change : 130,415,742
Date of notice : 26/03/2019

Remarks
You are advised to read the entire contents of the announcement or attachment.
To read the entire contents of the announcement or attachment, please access
the Bursa website at http://www.bursamalaysia.com

Buy now rm 0.820, go for NTA RM2.25 AFTER ecrl project announcement.

Buy low and sell high ..
Tun daim will visit china 2/4/2019 for ecrl project final negotiations .
The result shall be positive

Buy low and sell high ..
Tun daim will visit china 2/4/2019 for ecrl project final negotiations .
The result shall be positive

Buy low and sell high ..
Tun daim will visit china 2/4/2019 for ecrl project final negotiations .
The result shall be positive

Buy low and sell high ..
Tun daim will visit china 2/4/2019 for ecrl project final negotiations .
The result shall be positive

Buy before too late, gkent hit over rm 4 before due to ecrl project

Mrcb already, go go gkent go

Most of the ecrl related counter already UP, mrcb gamuda etc.
Go go wild city go

George Kent (M) Bhd and Lafarge Malaysia Bhd, which are linked to the possible contract wins in the ecrl project,

shares of construction companies such as Gabungan AQRS Bhd, George Kent (M) Bhd and Lafarge Malaysia Bhd, which are linked to the possible contract wins in the project, had showed a rebound.

ECRL-linked construction stocks up
BUSINESS NEWS
Thursday, 7 Jun 2018

by zunaira saieed

image: https://www.thestar.com.my/~/media/online/2017/12/18/00/49/ecrl-east-coast-rail-link.ashx/?w=620&h=413&crop=1&hash=712068C50B2B9376866B702C54E0F9CEAD21CC71


KUALA LUMPUR: Following expectations of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) not being shelved, stocks of construction companies linked to the rail project rebounded yesterday.

An online portal disclosed that there is a heavy penalty imposed to terminate the project of some RM22bil, should the new government cancel it.


ADVERTISEMENT

Hence, shares of construction companies such as Gabungan AQRS Bhd, George Kent (M) Bhd and Lafarge Malaysia Bhd, which are linked to the possible contract wins in the project, had showed a rebound.

Construction player Gabungan AQRS shares rose around 11% to 85 sen at 5pm when the market closed yesterday, from 76 sen in early morning trade.



Cement player Lafarge Malaysia, which has secured a contract to supply cement for the ECRL project, rose 10.8% by midday to RM3.26, from RM2.94.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2018/06/07/ecrllinked-construction-stocks-up/#CYbFZR46MgtEjA8z.99

Buy

Opinion 21:46, 26-Mar-2019
Restarting ECRL project benefits both Malaysia and China
Peng Nian
Share

Editor's note: Peng Nian is an assistant research fellow at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS), a top think tank based in Haikou, China. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Recently, Daim Zainuddin, who has been appointed by the Malaysian government as the special envoy of the prime minister to head the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) negotiation with China, said that the government is expected to finalize the ECRL project in early April, and the new agreement would be executed in the same week.

It was the first time that the Malaysian government gave a precise timeframe on reviving the project that was suspended by the country's newly elected government last August.

In fact, Malaysian senior officials, mainly Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, have released confusing messages on the controversial project since its suspension, resulting in prevailing rumors that the new Malaysian government had already decided to stop the project.

Even several days before Daim's claim, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said his government would not reach a deal with China before his China trip at the end of April when the International Cooperation Forum for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is held in Beijing. In this context, Chinese investment in Malaysia and Sino-Malaysia relations, as well as the implementation of the BRI, have been adversely affected.


Skytrain, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. /VCG Photo

Nevertheless, it is not surprising that both sides would reach an agreement on restarting the ECRL since there has always been positive and continued engagement between China and Malaysia regarding the project.

Mahathir stopped the ECRL project as well as two other Chinese projects temporarily. However, in order to reduce China's suspicions about Malaysia's resistance toward the BRI, he also claimed to attend the second International Cooperation Forum for the BRI.

For Kuala Lumpur, the main obstacle to resuming the ECRL project is the debt burden rather than so-called sovereignty or security threats. Therefore, Malaysia would like to resolve this issue in a commercial way, which means that it seeks to negotiate with Chinese companies on narrowing down the project as well as mortgage financing.

The ECRL project was approved by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in October 2016 at the cost of 55 billion Malaysian ringgit (13.5 billion U.S. dollars). The new ECRL deal, with cost savings of about 10 billion Malaysian ringgit (2.45 billion U.S. dollars), would have new commercial elements that would have a greater impact on Malaysian companies and people.


Kuala Lumpur railway, Malaysia. /VCG Photo

In addition, the Malaysian government would restart the project as it wants to reduce internal pressures from opposition parties and external pressures from the West. For instance, Prime Minister Mahathir threatened to import aircraft from China rather than the EU because of the recent dispute with the EU on environmental concerns of Malaysian palm oil products.

The Malaysian government, of course, would like to maintain close relations with China by removing the big barrier, the suspension of the ECRL, and thus to manipulate the balancing act between China and the West. Given this, restarting the ECRL with a declining input cost is a good choice for Malaysia to maximize economic interests and minimize diplomatic pressure.

For China, it has always stated that both sides should solve the ECRL project as early as possible so as to revive the confidence of the BRI. A new agreement on resuming the ECRL would be a big promotion for the coming International Cooperation Forum for the BRI held in Beijing.

Hence, China would like to make a compromise so that the ECRL would restart before the beginning of the BRI forum. Additionally, China had already agreed to reduce the strategically important Kyaukpyu deep-water port with Myanmar last year, so it is reasonable for China to make a similar deal with Malaysia on the ECRL.

To conclude, the coming new deal on resuming the ECRL project is beneficial to both Malaysia and China and would promote the win-win cooperation between the two countries.

Opinion 21:46, 26-Mar-2019
Restarting ECRL project benefits both Malaysia and China
Peng Nian
Share

Editor's note: Peng Nian is an assistant research fellow at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS), a top think tank based in Haikou, China. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Recently, Daim Zainuddin, who has been appointed by the Malaysian government as the special envoy of the prime minister to head the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) negotiation with China, said that the government is expected to finalize the ECRL project in early April, and the new agreement would be executed in the same week.

It was the first time that the Malaysian government gave a precise timeframe on reviving the project that was suspended by the country's newly elected government last August.

In fact, Malaysian senior officials, mainly Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, have released confusing messages on the controversial project since its suspension, resulting in prevailing rumors that the new Malaysian government had already decided to stop the project.

Even several days before Daim's claim, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said his government would not reach a deal with China before his China trip at the end of April when the International Cooperation Forum for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is held in Beijing. In this context, Chinese investment in Malaysia and Sino-Malaysia relations, as well as the implementation of the BRI, have been adversely affected.


Skytrain, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. /VCG Photo

Nevertheless, it is not surprising that both sides would reach an agreement on restarting the ECRL since there has always been positive and continued engagement between China and Malaysia regarding the project.

Mahathir stopped the ECRL project as well as two other Chinese projects temporarily. However, in order to reduce China's suspicions about Malaysia's resistance toward the BRI, he also claimed to attend the second International Cooperation Forum for the BRI.

For Kuala Lumpur, the main obstacle to resuming the ECRL project is the debt burden rather than so-called sovereignty or security threats. Therefore, Malaysia would like to resolve this issue in a commercial way, which means that it seeks to negotiate with Chinese companies on narrowing down the project as well as mortgage financing.

The ECRL project was approved by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in October 2016 at the cost of 55 billion Malaysian ringgit (13.5 billion U.S. dollars). The new ECRL deal, with cost savings of about 10 billion Malaysian ringgit (2.45 billion U.S. dollars), would have new commercial elements that would have a greater impact on Malaysian companies and people.


Kuala Lumpur railway, Malaysia. /VCG Photo

In addition, the Malaysian government would restart the project as it wants to reduce internal pressures from opposition parties and external pressures from the West. For instance, Prime Minister Mahathir threatened to import aircraft from China rather than the EU because of the recent dispute with the EU on environmental concerns of Malaysian palm oil products.

The Malaysian government, of course, would like to maintain close relations with China by removing the big barrier, the suspension of the ECRL, and thus to manipulate the balancing act between China and the West. Given this, restarting the ECRL with a declining input cost is a good choice for Malaysia to maximize economic interests and minimize diplomatic pressure.

For China, it has always stated that both sides should solve the ECRL project as early as possible so as to revive the confidence of the BRI. A new agreement on resuming the ECRL would be a big promotion for the coming International Cooperation Forum for the BRI held in Beijing.

Hence, China would like to make a compromise so that the ECRL would restart before the beginning of the BRI forum. Additionally, China had already agreed to reduce the strategically important Kyaukpyu deep-water port with Myanmar last year, so it is reasonable for China to make a similar deal with Malaysia on the ECRL.

To conclude, the coming new deal on resuming the ECRL project is beneficial to both Malaysia and China and would promote the win-win cooperation between the two countries.

Opinion 21:46, 26-Mar-2019
Restarting ECRL project benefits both Malaysia and China
Peng Nian
Share

Editor's note: Peng Nian is an assistant research fellow at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS), a top think tank based in Haikou, China. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Recently, Daim Zainuddin, who has been appointed by the Malaysian government as the special envoy of the prime minister to head the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) negotiation with China, said that the government is expected to finalize the ECRL project in early April, and the new agreement would be executed in the same week.

It was the first time that the Malaysian government gave a precise timeframe on reviving the project that was suspended by the country's newly elected government last August.

In fact, Malaysian senior officials, mainly Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, have released confusing messages on the controversial project since its suspension, resulting in prevailing rumors that the new Malaysian government had already decided to stop the project.

Even several days before Daim's claim, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said his government would not reach a deal with China before his China trip at the end of April when the International Cooperation Forum for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is held in Beijing. In this context, Chinese investment in Malaysia and Sino-Malaysia relations, as well as the implementation of the BRI, have been adversely affected.


Skytrain, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. /VCG Photo

Nevertheless, it is not surprising that both sides would reach an agreement on restarting the ECRL since there has always been positive and continued engagement between China and Malaysia regarding the project.

Mahathir stopped the ECRL project as well as two other Chinese projects temporarily. However, in order to reduce China's suspicions about Malaysia's resistance toward the BRI, he also claimed to attend the second International Cooperation Forum for the BRI.

For Kuala Lumpur, the main obstacle to resuming the ECRL project is the debt burden rather than so-called sovereignty or security threats. Therefore, Malaysia would like to resolve this issue in a commercial way, which means that it seeks to negotiate with Chinese companies on narrowing down the project as well as mortgage financing.

The ECRL project was approved by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in October 2016 at the cost of 55 billion Malaysian ringgit (13.5 billion U.S. dollars). The new ECRL deal, with cost savings of about 10 billion Malaysian ringgit (2.45 billion U.S. dollars), would have new commercial elements that would have a greater impact on Malaysian companies and people.


Kuala Lumpur railway, Malaysia. /VCG Photo

In addition, the Malaysian government would restart the project as it wants to reduce internal pressures from opposition parties and external pressures from the West. For instance, Prime Minister Mahathir threatened to import aircraft from China rather than the EU because of the recent dispute with the EU on environmental concerns of Malaysian palm oil products.

The Malaysian government, of course, would like to maintain close relations with China by removing the big barrier, the suspension of the ECRL, and thus to manipulate the balancing act between China and the West. Given this, restarting the ECRL with a declining input cost is a good choice for Malaysia to maximize economic interests and minimize diplomatic pressure.

For China, it has always stated that both sides should solve the ECRL project as early as possible so as to revive the confidence of the BRI. A new agreement on resuming the ECRL would be a big promotion for the coming International Cooperation Forum for the BRI held in Beijing.

Hence, China would like to make a compromise so that the ECRL would restart before the beginning of the BRI forum. Additionally, China had already agreed to reduce the strategically important Kyaukpyu deep-water port with Myanmar last year, so it is reasonable for China to make a similar deal with Malaysia on the ECRL.

To conclude, the coming new deal on resuming the ECRL project is beneficial to both Malaysia and China and would promote the win-win cooperation between the two countries.

Wct is one of the ecrl related counter, buy before its too late

The Sun Daily
> Local
Local contractors to benefit from ‘upbeat’ railway industry, say analysts
17 FEB 2019 / 11:07 H.
Local contractors to benefit from ‘upbeat’ railway industry, say analysts
Pix for representational purpose only.
KUALA LUMPUR: Despite “some changes” being seen in the local railway industry involving the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) and the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) projects, analysts remain upbeat as the continuance of other projects is set to benefit local contractors.

To name a few, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) 3 and Mass Rapid Transit 2 (MRT) 2 with a combined value of RM40 billion would likely sustain industry earnings, in the immediate to medium-term, said MIDF Research analyst Danial Razak.

“While the cost revisions were significant, we believe the move is rational. Should the costs be maintained in defiance of economic discipline, we do not rule out the possibility of the government shouldering a bigger fiscal risk, moving forward.

Nonetheless, getting the green light to continue with such large scale projects is actually a big relief for the industry as a whole.

Danial remained bullish on the outlook for the local rail industry as these projects would continue to benefit Sunway Construction, WCT Holdings, Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB), Gamuda Bhd, Muhibbah Engineering (M) Bhd and Gabungan AQRS Bhd - the big time local contractors involved in rail industry.

He said WCT, for example, had secured three LRT3 contracts with a combined value of RM1.7 billion for jobs involving depot, stations and viaduct works.

At its recent extraordinary general meeting, MRCB announced that construction of the LRT3 projects were expected to resume in the second half of 2019. Only 10% of the project works have been completed, thus far.

To recap, the project was stalled for almost a year, pending review in light of the revelation by the Finance Ministry that the total cost (of the line) had ballooned to RM31.65 billion.

The ministry then approved the 36km-long track project for RM16.3 billion, down a whopping 47%, from its original cost.

“While some train depots will be downsized, we think the impact on WCT’s package will be minimal. This is considering the fact that phase one of the Johan Setia depot is nearing completion.

“Muhibbah Engineering has also clinched few noise barrier packages for LRT3 and MRT2. We believe the impact on these packages will also be minimal,” he said.

At the close of trading on Friday, Sunway Construction was two sen better atRM1.57, WCT Holdings perked half-a-sen to 84 sen, Gamuda improved three sen to RM2.79, Muhibbah Engineering was flat at RM2.92, Gabungan AQRS shed two sen to RM1.02 and MRCB slipped one sen to 72 sen.

Danial added that since Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the 14th General Election, the sell down on the construction counters were overdone, which had unveiled attractive levels for entry.

“We opined that the recovery in share price has been underpinned by the evident valuation gap, supported by company-specific ability to weather the current industry pullback,” he said.

Asked on the challenges, he said contractors would move towards executing and completing the projects.

The conversion from project delivery partner to turnkey structure means contractors would need to bear the execution risk.

“Managing the risk well will likely translate to better margins in terms of the bottom line.

“In terms of prospects, we think the revival of the multi-billion ECRL project is most uncertain in the near-term and negotiations could still be prolonged due to challenges in reaching an amicable agreement between the stakeholders,” he added.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was reported as saying that the status of RM81 billion project was still unsure at this point of time.

Meanwhile, Dr Shahrin Nasir, Deputy Director (Industrial Linkages and Commercialisation), Malaysia Institute of Transport, Universiti Teknologi MARA said if the ECRL project was cancelled and the HSR postponed, it would affect the development of the rail sector.

“If Keretapi Tanah Melkayu Bhd can upgrade its electric train services, it would ensure that the rail industry remains important in the country.

“Current rail services need to be improved for the industry to remain relevant,” he concluded

Gkent is one of the ecrl project related counters.
Buy before its too late

KUALA LUMPUR: Following expectations of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) not being shelved, stocks of construction companies linked to the rail project rebounded yesterday.

An online portal disclosed that there is a heavy penalty imposed to terminate the project of some RM22bil, should the new government cancel it.

Hence, shares of construction companies such as Gabungan AQRS Bhd , George Kent (M) Bhd and Lafarge Malaysia Bhd , which are linked to the possible contract wins in the project, had showed a rebound.

Construction player Gabungan AQRS shares rose around 11% to 85 sen at 5pm when the market closed yesterday, from 76 sen in early morning trade.

As for George Kent, which was seen as a proxy for rail job rollout, its shares were up 8.96% to 1.45 sen from 1.33 sen when the market opened.

Cement player Lafarge Malaysia, which has secured a contract to supply cement for the ECRL project, rose 10.8% by midday to 3.26 sen, from 29.4 sen per share.

These construction stocks had a selldown after the 14th general election on May 9 on worries of the cancellation of rail projects by the new government.

Kenanga Research senior equity analyst Adrian Ng believed the rebound of the shares was “still low”, adding that the construction stocks selling was overdone since the general election.

He noted that the volatility of the construction counters would persist until a clear picture of the government finances are announced on the budget day, adding that some stability of stocks could occur after the 100 days of fiscal reforms by the new government.

“The dust has still not settled but the volatility will taper off once the Government announces its finances.

“However, the short and medium-term prospects for the construction companies is that earnings can be delivered due to their strong order book like IJM Corp Bhd and Gamuda Bhd ,” Ng said.

As the volatility continues to take place due to the ill-fate of rail projects that have not been finalised, the Government hopes to renegotiate the terms for the ECRL project. The work for the rail project is about 13% completed.

This was echoed by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s post-cabinet press conference yesterday, saying “the ECRL project will be studied to see if we can either defer or terminate it.”

He added that the Government wanted to renegotiate the terms of the rail project as it could not afford to spend enormous amount of money at this point of time.

Dr Mahathir pointed out that the ECRL contract terms of the amount drawn did not commensurate with the level of work done, referring to the similarity of the contract terms of the RM9.4bil multi-product pipeline and Trans-Sabah Gas pipeline jobs.

In the case of the ECRL, around RM13bil has been drawn down.

“We found that the contract includes payment according to a specific time. So far, we can determine that the work done is much less than the payments that have already been drawn,” he said.

Ecrl project is coming back soon