GEORGE TOWN: The state government will open more monorail test track sites if there are other parties wishing to undertake such a venture.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said to date two sites had been identified for the purpose, with one earmarked for MRails Sdn Bhd.

The Edge weekly reported in October that MRails' Datuk Jeyakumar Varathan had obtained the green light to build a test track in Batuk Kawan costing RM70 million.

The other site would be allocated to another local party, Lim said. He declined to name the party as negotiations are still ongoing.

It was announced on Sunday that both companies would be allowed to put up 1km test tracks either in Batu Kawan or Nibong Tebal on the mainland.

"If there are more takers who wish to come in to put up their test tracks, we are willing to consider their requests and look at other sites which will be identified as test tracks.

"We have several inquiries and we are willing to consider them as the state government is not spending a single cent towards the project," he said at a press conference yesterday.

On the state administration's plan to enact the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, Lim said it would wait to see what Selangor would do.

"We have consulted the legal advisor who advised us that it is beyond our powers to do so as it is under the federal government's jurisdiction.

"Though we do not agree with her, we have to abide by her advice as she is the state's legal advisor.

"We will wait for the Selangor state government to do so, and if successful, there is no reason why we cannot do the same," Lim said.

Earlier, during the oral question session with Abdul Malik Abul Kassim (Batu Maung-PKR) on the FOI Act, Datuk Dr Hilmi Yahaya (Teluk Bahang-BN) said it would be pointless to work towards the FOI as the state administration had barred certain journalists from its press conferences and functions.

Malik said FOI entailed a two-way relationship with the media, which should be reciprocated.

"If we are not given the right of reply when criticisms are levelled, it is not fair to us. These organisations will be allowed to cover our functions if they agree to give us that right," he said.