KUALA LUMPUR, 20 December, 2011: 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Berhad) has started its tender process on major foundation works for the Kuala Lumpur International Financial District (KLIFD). A pre-qualification exercise is in progress, inviting contractors to participate in the construction and completion of earthwork and excavation works, retaining structure, piling works and related sub-structure works.

1MDB Real Estate Sdn Bhd Deputy CEO (Operations) Dato’ Azmar Talib said: “This is probably among the largest earthwork, covering the size of about 20 football fields (12 hectares) and excavating about 20 metres (about four storeys) into the ground.”

Other works include site clearance, soil excavation, excavation of rocks, curtain grouting and drainage layer.

Dato’ Azmar said: “We are currently in a flurry of activities in the run up to the start of construction first quarter of next year. In the process, we are creating and enhancing value to the site.”

As the Master Developer for KLIFD, 1MDB is taking measures in environment management planning to minimise impact on the surrounding environment.

Dato’ Azmar said: “As the Master Developer for KLIFD, we are always conscious of our responsibility to the community. We sought guidance and cooperation of Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur. We have taken proactive steps to submit Environment Impact Assessment.”

This is a voluntary EIA as the size of KLIFD development is below 50 hectares, the trigger point for a mandatory EIA.

The notice of pre-qualification, advertised on 8 December 2011 in local newspapers, will close 6 January 2012. It is also available at www.1mdb.com.my.

The short listing and invitation to tender are scheduled for completion in mid-February 2012.

Dato’ Azmar said: “We seek an inclusive participation by both big and small players. They can form joint ventures or consortium to participate in the pre-qualification.”

In promoting the fusion of global and local expertise and technology transfer, the JVs can be between local companies and international companies with locally incorporated operations.

1MDB is also developing a Digital Master Plan for a digitally smart financial district with state-of-the-art connectivity, utilising technologies that are smart, intelligent and future proof.

The 75-acre (30 hectares) development in the Imbi area fronting Jalan Tun Razak aims to bring together leading financial institutions and top global companies to create a catalytic pool of world-class players.

It will leverage on Malaysia’s existing strength in Islamic finance and play on its strategic location to complement other financial centres within the region.