KUALA LUMPUR: The Gemas-Johor Bahru electrified double-tracking rail project (Gemas-JB EDTP), a key driver for economic development in Johor's core region, is now 97 per cent complete.
According to SIPP-YTL JV, the local contractor responsible for developing the project, 28 million safe man-hours have been achieved, setting a benchmark for rail construction safety in Malaysia.
This milestone, recorded from September 2020 to May 2024, highlights the project's success in maintaining safety standards and achieving the target of 28 million safe man-hours without any accidents.
"On behalf of SIPP-YTL, we extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to everyone involved in this project. This achievement is a significant milestone for the national rail construction industry, especially for all SIPP-YTL employees," said Yeoh Keong Yuan, the company's executive director, during the 28 million Safe Man-Hours Celebration Ceremony held in Kluang, Johor today.
Mohd Hatta Zakaria, the director-general of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia (DOSH), presented the recognition certificate to Yeoh.
The ceremony also saw the attendance of Jaafar Leman, the director of DOSH Johor; Sukhaimi Marob, the project director representative of the Gemas-Johor Bahru team from the Ministry of Transport Malaysia; and Ramesh Balakrishnan, the chief operating officer of Rail from the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC).
Yeoh attributed the success of the Gemas-JB EDTP to the continuous efforts of the health and safety team in ensuring strict monitoring throughout the construction work.
"Safety is our top priority, and we are highly committed to promoting a healthy and safe environment for everyone," he added.
According to the Notification of Accident, Dangerous Occurrence, Occupational Poisoning, and Occupational Disease 2004 (NADOPOD), safe working hours are defined as the total hours worked without accidents resulting in more than four days of absence or other significant incidents such as severe injuries or fatalities.
The Gemas-JB EDTP is a 192-kilometer electrified train service project covering four major districts in Johor, namely Segamat, Kluang, Kulai, and Johor Bahru, with a total cost of RM8.9 billion, as announced by the government in December 2016.
SIPP-YTL JV was appointed by the Ministry of Transport Malaysia.
Currently in the final phase of construction, the project will open the Segamat station in May 2024.
The entire project is expected to be completed by 2025, significantly boosting the local economy, especially for the community in Johor.