KUALA LUMPUR (March 12): The government is inviting pitches for the proposed elevated autonomous rapid transit system (E-ART) in Iskandar Malaysia through public-private partnership.

Companies registered in Malaysia, including joint ventures and consortiums with relevant expertise and experience, can participate in the request for proposal, according to a notice issued by the Public Private Partnership Unit under the Prime Minister’s Department.

A briefing session will be held on March 20, and proposals must be submitted by June 30, the notice read.

The Johor government has set its eyes on the E-ART trackless system to help disperse traffic in the rapidly growing city, and complement the Rapid Transit System (RTS) that will connect Johor Bahru and Singapore.

The state government also prefers E-ART that runs on rubber wheels over the costlier light rail transit system that will also take more time to build, according to media reports.

Foreign entities or companies with foreign equity of up to 49% can also participate in the request for proposal, though a minimum of 30% of shareholdings must be held by Bumiputeras, according to the list of requirements for participating companies.

The company must have available credit facilities from a financial institution of at least RM750 million, and positive cumulative earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation over the latest five years.

Further, potential candidates are required to have completed one contract with minimum value of RM500 million within the last 10 years in the construction and transportation industry. In the case of a joint venture or consortium, at least one member must comply with the requirement, the notice read.