KUALA LUMPUR: 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), the master developer for the Kuala Lumpur International Financial District (KLIFD), has started its tender process for the main foundation works for the project.

1MDB said yesterday a pre-qualification exercise is under way to invite contractors to take part in the construction and completion of earthworks and excavation, retaining structure, piling works and related sub-structure works.

According to 1MDB Real Estate Sdn Bhd deputy CEO (operations) Datuk Azmar Talib said: “This is probably among the largest earthworks, covering the size of about 20 football fields [12ha] and excavating about 20m [about four storeys] into the ground.”

The substructure includes site clearance, soil excavation, excavation of rocks, curtain grouting and drainage layer.

“We are currently in a flurry of activities in the runup to the start of construction in the first quarter of next year. In the process, we are creating and enhancing value to the site,” he added.

1MDB has also taken proactive steps to submit the environment impact assessment (EIA) — deemed voluntary — as the size of KLIFD development is below 50ha, the trigger point for a mandatory EIA.

The notice of pre-qualification will close on Jan 6 and the shortlisting and invitation to tender are scheduled for completion in mid-February.

This article appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, December 21, 2011.