Ipoh, 5 February 2025 - Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNPk) and Gamuda Berhad have signed an exclusive partnership to develop infrastructure to address critical water shortages in Northern Perak. This official collaboration will facilitate raw water transfer from Sungai Perak to Bukit Merah and develop the requisite infrastructure for treated water distribution, ensuring long-term water sustainability for the region. In undertaking the collaboration, PKNPk is acting within its mandates as the key state agency entrusted to spearhead economic development and socioeconomic growth for the State of Perak.

This initiative reflects the state government's proactive approach to project delivery, with a strong focus on bolstering local economic growth and ensuring project efficiency. By leveraging local expertise and specialised engineering capabilities, PKNPk and Gamuda are poised to deliver significant socio-economic benefits through this strategic collaboration.

PKNPk and Gamuda will jointly manage all components of this development by combining their distinct expertise. This includes overseeing the design, civil and structural engineering, utilities, risk mitigation and the implementation of local workforce and technology training programs.

Quote by Faris Mohd Yusof, Executive Director, Gamuda Engineering

Gamuda is pleased to enter this exclusive partnership with PKNPk to jointly deliver the state's mandate for a sustainable water infrastructure solution for Northern Perak, ensuring a long-term, reliable clean water source for the state.

We bring extensive experience in water-related infrastructure to this partnership, having successfully delivered similar projects such as the Skim Bekalan Air Fasa 3 Sungai Selangor and the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART), among others. Our expertise in constructing water treatment plants, associated reticulation, and water tunnels is a key value we are eager to contribute to this initiative.

We have consistently prioritised local talent and supply chain development, as reflected in our construction teams and our in-house deployment of digital innovations such as our award-winning Autonomous Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), BIM-Augmented Reality (BIMAR), and other digital construction technologies. Supporting the development of the local workforce and communities will remain our focus, especially in our home state of Perak.

Quote by Datuk Redza Rafiq bin Abdul Razak, Chief Executive of PKNPk

PKNPk is committed to addressing Perak's most pressing issue—resolving the state's critical water challenges and ensuring water security for its residents by 2029. With a steadily growing population and expanding economy, this water project is crucial for meeting the escalating domestic and industrial demand for clean water. Upon completion, it will also bolster the development of the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP) and enhance agricultural irrigation in the district.

This initiative represents a vital stride towards sustainable development and perfectly aligns with the 12th Flagship of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 program, specifically under Flagship 12: Water Resources and Renewable Energy. This alignment underscores our commitment to integrating renewable energy solutions and sustainable water resource management into our developmental plans.

We are confident that our collaboration with Gamuda, a company with deep roots in Ipoh, will significantly enhance skills development and create numerous employment opportunities in Perak. By merging PKNPk's project management expertise with Gamuda's advanced technical capabilities, we are poised to deliver enduring solutions that will benefit communities across Perak."

Gamuda has extensive expertise in delivering critical public infrastructure regionally in Australia, Singapore, and Taiwan, as well as in its home base, Malaysia. Recent local projects include the KVMRT Kajang and Putrajaya Lines. The group also has a solid track record in delivering water supply infrastructure, such as the Skim Bekalan Air Fasa 3 Sungai Selangor, including the Rasa and Bukit Badong Water Treatment Plants. The Group has recently delivered the Rasau Water Supply Scheme in Selangor and the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Project in Sabah.

Through strategic infrastructure development and a strong focus on cultivating local talent, this partnership between PKNPk and Gamuda will contribute to building a resilient and competitive economy for Perak. It exemplifies the Perak Sejahtera 2030 vision by ensuring future generations' thriving and prosperous future.