Latest news with #MRT3
The Star
18 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Public transportation will be better by the end of 2025, says Marcos
This file photo taken on October 2022 shows long lines of commuters forming at the Ortigas Station of MRT 3 while the signaling system glitch was being fixed. - Courtesy of Cha Padilla via PDI/ANN MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Filipino commuters that they can expect improved public transportation in late 2025. He said this is due to the scheduled completion of some phases of the government's big-ticket infrastructure projects in the transportation sector. In Part 3 of the BBM Podcast: Episode 2, uploaded on his social media accounts on Friday (June 20), Marcos was asked when commuters can expect relief from the daily ordeal of public commuting. He responded by expressing sympathy for their struggles, saying that he, along with his friends and family, had also experienced firsthand the inconvenience of the country's public transport system. 'I've felt that. One time, we rode the MRT, and once you get inside, if your hand ends up here, you won't be able to move it anymore,' he recalled, gesturing how cramped it is inside the trains. 'I was talking with the passengers. One of them said, 'Sir, it's really like this every day.' I know—it's extremely hot and very crowded,' he said. The Marcos administration is implementing some measures meant to benefit commuters. These projects include the '1 plus 3 promo' in the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 and Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 every Sunday, as well as a 50 per cent fare discount for students. Marcos emphasised that the government is also focused on long-term solutions through major infrastructure projects, including the Metro Manila Subway and MRT-7. 'We will start to see the completion of some of the phases by late this year, next year,' Marcos said. The MRT Line 7 is expected to begin trial runs by the end of the year, according to its operator, San Miguel Corporation. Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said last Tuesday that they are making progress in securing the right-of-way to be able to push through with the construction of the Metro Manila Subway Project. He had also revealed plans to build another station of the LRT 1 in Bacoor to cater to more passengers as the government seeks to extend the railway to Cavite by 2030. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
HSS Engineers: Stacked with jobs, starved of returns
KUALA LUMPUR: At first glance, HSS Engineers Bhd appears to be a gem among Bursa Malaysia's small-cap infrastructure players. With major projects under its belt including Malaysia's MRT3 and the ambitious Baghdad Metro in Iraq, the company seems to stand at the crossroads of growth and regional expansion. But take a closer look, and the shine begins to fade, market observers said. Despite a solid order book and some impressive contract wins, HSS Engineers' shares have quietly lost over one-third of their value in 2025. The observers said the reasons are more structural than cyclical, prompting serious doubts about the investment-worthiness of HSS in its current configuration. Strong Projects, Weak Profits HSS Engineers has never had a problem winning jobs. The challenge has always been turning those jobs into meaningful and sustainable profits. In the first quarter of its financial year 2025, the company reported a 64 per cent drop in net profit despite higher revenue. Margins were squeezed to just about three per cent, down from some 7.0-9.0 per cent in previous years. Cost inflation, new hires and teething issues from overseas projects all contributed, but the bigger issue is clear: growth is not translating into shareholder returns. The Baghdad Mirage When HSS Engineers announced its RM1.5 billion contract to oversee Iraq's Baghdad Metro, investors cheered. The share price rallied. It looked like the company had finally broken into big-league regional infrastructure. But nearly a year later, reality has hit. Only a fraction of that revenue has been recognised, and progress is slower than expected. As investors wait for billings to ramp up, HSS Engineers is bleeding cash on early-stage project costs. Worse, Iraq brings serious geopolitical and payment risks - risks that small Malaysian engineering firms may not be fully equipped to navigate. Overdependence on Government Projects HSS Engineers' bread and butter lies in public-sector infrastructure - railways, highways and water projects. The observers said while this provides a steady pipeline, it also leaves the company exposed to the whims of politics. MRT3, for instance, has seen delays and policy back-and-forth. "A change in government priorities or funding cutbacks could mean stalled payments or suspended jobs. That's not a great setup for consistent earnings," they said. Low Dividend, Thin Liquidity The observers said for retail investors seeking passive income, HSS Engineers offers little: its dividend yield is just 1.4 per cent, and it pays once a year. For institutional investors, the stock lacks liquidity. Daily trading volumes are modest, and even moderate selling can move the price. It's a classic case of small-cap vulnerability - long on ambition, short on financial resilience. Communicaton Gap In a volatile market, the observers said, clarity of direction matters more than ever. Investors are not just buying current performance - they're buying the promise of what's to come. Unfortunately, this is where HSS Engineers has fallen short. While the company has outlined its "HSS 2.0" roadmap to diversify into renewable energy, data centres and other future-facing sectors, the messaging around this strategy has been vague. On June 11, at a press conference, HSS Engineers made a notable announcement: it's bidding for four data centre projects, highlighting its ambition to expand in the high-growth digital infrastructure space. The company also reaffirned that its robust RM2.1 billion order book will ensure earnings visibility for the next eight years. This would reinforce the momentum gained from its record-high net profit of RM25.2 million in the financial year ended Dec 31 2024, it added. Still, the data centre bids in particular show intent more than substance, the observerd said. "The market has yet to see concrete follow-through - no specific projects have been awarded, timelines are vague and there's no clarity on expected margins or revenue recognition." Until these data centre wins turn into billable, profitable work, they remain another line item in a long list of aspirational projects, much like the Baghdad Metro before it. Strategy without execution means margins stay under pressure. Press conferences are a start, but the company needs specific, data-backed updates, the observers said. "For instance, 'Data Centre A awarded by Q3, with expected XXX profit by year end' to reassure investors and inspire confidence," they added. The observers said the lack of clarity might have been mitigated by strong shareholder communication, a proactive effort to engage investors, explain strategy and build trust. HSS Engineers' communication with the investment community has been sporadic and reactive, rather than strategic and forward-looking. Without consistent engagement, even good stories get lost and undervalued.
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
PJ folk object to MRT3 alignment proposal
A PROPOSAL to bring the MRT3 alignment into parts of Petaling Jaya, Selangor, has drawn objections from some residents over health and environmental concerns. A town hall session was held in Section 14 by Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran to explain the proposal. Rajiv said he and Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung had worked with Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to draw up the proposed route. According to a map displayed during the session, the proposed route cuts across Taman Jaya and Jalan Kemajuan next to Section 13 and Section 16 (refer to map). 'The proposal has been sent to the Federal Government but no decision has been made yet,' said Rajiv. 'The route will service two areas namely Section 13 and PJ Sentral, which have been seeing massive increase in commercial and industrial activities.' The assemblyman said the city needed more public transportation to cope with increased traffic and residents. 'More workers from other areas are coming into Petaling Jaya. It is better that they come by train than by car,' he stressed. However, some residents were unhappy with his explanation. Selva says the proposed alignment barely enters Section 13. Section 14 Residents Association chairman Selva Sugumaran Perumal said the proposed alignment barely entered Section 13. 'The route should go into Section 13 proper, as well as Section 17, to serve residents in those areas. 'Also, PJ Sentral is already served by (Asia Jaya and Taman Jaya) LRT stations. 'Why does it need more public transportation?' Selva also said that Rajiv, Chung and MBPJ should have consulted local communities before submitting the proposal to the Federal Government. D'Cruz is concerned about noise pollution. Another resident Andre D. D'Cruz, who lives near the Asia Jaya LRT station, expressed concern about noise. 'I have made complaints but they have not been addressed. 'Can the authorities guarantee similar issues won't recur if MRT3 is routed through this area?' he questioned. Other concerns raised were the loss of Petaling Jaya's green lung, while a suggestion was made to enhance feeder bus coverage and demand-responsive transit (DRT). Rajiv resplied that feeder buses and DRT could only go so far in alleviating traffic congestion in the city. He also stressed that there was a need to balance between environmental concerns and socioeconomic needs. On questions about the locations and sizes of the MRT3 stations, Rajiv said these would be finalised by MRT Corp later. Also known as Circle Line, the MRT3 alignment is a 51km rail loop cutting across major townships in the Klang Valley. The current alignment has 32 planned stations and does not include the locations in Rajiv's proposal. The project will be connected to 10 existing MRT, LRT, KTM and Monorail stations. It is expected to start in 2027 and be fully operational by 2032. MRT1 (Kajang Line) links Sungai Buloh and Kajang while MRT2 (Putrajaya Line) links Kwasa Damansara and Putrajaya Sentral.
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
IJM launches urban park linking Pantai Sentral to KL's forest reserve
KUALA LUMPUR: IJM Land Bhd is developing a new urban park at Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi, creating a public access point that links Pantai Sentral Park to one of Kuala Lumpur's largest forest reserves and a future MRT3 station. The 0.35-hectare (ha) park, a joint initiative with Amona Group, will feature walking trails, communal spaces and shaded rest areas, and is scheduled for completion by year-end. It is located beside a 102-ha green zone, comprising 66ha of Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi and 36ha of Bukit Gasing, and will provide a third direct access route into the area's existing hiking network. The park is part of IJM's plan to transform Pantai Sentral Park into the capital's first urban forest township, with a focus on connectivity, wellness and sustainability. A key feature is the 'Ribbon of Life' pathway, a newly introduced element in the revised masterplan that provides walkable access across the township and a direct link to the upcoming MRT3 station. IJM Land chief executive officer Datuk Tony Ling said the urban park is designed as a community hub that blends city living with nature. "More than just the natural scenery and a green space, the Urban Park will be a meeting point for the community," he said. "With this ease of access, we hope to encourage more people to explore and embrace the natural beauty which exists right here within the city. "We believe that great communities are not merely built with bricks and roads, but with shared spaces that invite people to come together and have activities with each other, creating bonds that last." Ling said the park will feature biodiversity-friendly landscaping, including more than 30 species of trees and pollinator gardens. It is being developed as part of the company's corporate social responsibility efforts under Kuala Lumpur City Hall's park adoption programme. The initiative is part of the city's 'Greener KL' plan to improve and maintain green spaces in the Klang Valley. Communications Minister and Lembah Pantai member of parliament Datuk Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil, and DBKL executive director of planning Datuk Zulkurnain Hassan were also present at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Free Malaysia Today
09-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
MRT3 plans must manage costs, accessibility and safety
The MRT3 project is still in its planning phase, a stage that is both vital and delicate. This is the time when critical decisions are made to determine the most effective route alignment, connectivity options, and how best to integrate with the current public transportation systems, namely the LRT, MRT1, MRT2, and the KTMB commuter lines. The challenge, however, is immense. Planners are juggling between two conflicting objectives: achieving the highest possible ridership, and simultaneously, keeping construction costs within a reasonable range. These are goals that are often at odds with each other, and based on insights shared by experts, the planning process so far appears to fall short on both fronts. Questionable station locations A senior traffic analyst who wished to remain anonymous, has raised red flags about the location of several proposed stations. One of his primary concerns revolves around stations that are positioned parallel to existing highways. He argues that placing MRT stations adjacent to major roadways may look efficient on paper, but, in reality, they are often inaccessible to pedestrians, limiting ridership. According to him, it defeats the very purpose of having a mass rapid transit system. 'If the goal is to draw more people into public transport and reduce car dependency, stations must be placed within easy walking distance of dense population or high-activity zones,' he says. Planning stations in highway corridors —without proper last-mile connections — risks turning these multimillion-ringgit investments into white elephants. From the publicly available documents, it appears there are several instances where such poor location choices are being considered, raising further concerns about the decision-making framework being applied at this early stage. Neglected ground realities Another voice of experience, Monsieur Herve — a veteran geotechnical expert who has been involved in Kuala Lumpur's rail development since the days of the first LRT tunnel from Pasar Seni to Damai, via Masjid Jamek, KLCC and Ampang Park — cautions that the planning currently underway is ignoring crucial geotechnical considerations. He highlights the importance of conducting preliminary soil investigations before any alignment is finalised. While full soil testing along a long corridor may be expensive, Herve suggests that a handful of strategic boreholes, each costing less than RM10,000, could help uncover potential geological obstacles early. This would be a small price to pay to avoid much larger issues down the line. Geological formations around Kuala Lumpur are known to be particularly difficult to tunnel through—consisting largely of Hawthornden Schist and Quartz veins, highly fractured and unstable rock layers that have historically posed challenges for civil and structural engineers. Yet, astonishingly, MRT3's Environmental Impact Assessment reports confirm that no boreholes have been drilled thus far. This lack of basic groundwork is deeply worrying, as it suggests that cost estimates, construction timelines, and even the feasibility of certain segments of the alignment are being decided without a full understanding of the ground conditions. Environmental, safety oversights In addition to soil-related concerns, Monsieur Herve also points out the need to avoid alignment through Class 4 slopes — areas highly prone to landslides and soil instability. In fact, residents in Setiawangsa have voiced similar concerns about soil stability, referencing the Highland Towers disaster and landslides that frequently happen in that part of the Klang Valley which MRT3 will traverse through. These pose enormous safety risks and should be avoided, especially in an urban environment where the margin for error is razor-thin. Another serious omission is the lack of studies on the water table across Kuala Lumpur. Disturbing underground water flow, especially in a flood-prone city like KL, can lead to severe, long-term consequences. Altering subterranean hydrology without thorough investigation and mitigation plans could result in worsening urban flooding, sinkholes (as in the case of Jalan Masjid India), or infrastructure damage occurring years after the project is completed. Conclusion To summarise, no alignment should be deemed final until thorough ground and environmental investigations have been conducted. Authorities like Agensi Pengangkutan Awam Darat, which is ultimately responsible for this railway scheme, have to take note. Local authorities—including Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya, DBKL, MBPJ and MPSJ—responsible for approving building plans, structures, and columns requiring planning permission should take note of potential pitfalls. Ideally, they should have been involved in the planning process from the outset. Without their participation, any proposed route risks becoming not only more expensive during construction, but also operationally flawed and unsafe. It is evident that the current MRT3 planning efforts require urgent strengthening. The incorporation of proper technical studies, stakeholder engagement and feedback, early collaboration with the various local authorities and pragmatic design thinking must happen now, while the project is still in its early phases, before irreversible decisions are made. Only then can the finance ministry have the comfort of financing the project, and MRT3 deliver on its promise of being a transformative public transport solution for the Klang Valley. The author can be reached at: rosli@ The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
