KATHMANDU: Malaysian companies are racing against time to secure the contract of supplying hi-tech Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) to Nepal, report said.

The two companies in the race are IRIS Corporation Berhad and Heitech Padu Berhad. They are the umpteenth international bidders to supply MRPs to Nepal. Nepal is racing against time to secure 4 million copies of hi-tech passports with the deadline running out fast.

The report has been attributed to Malayasian ambassador to Nepal Datuk Ilankovan Kolandavelu. The deadline for swiching over to hitech passport is approaching in April 1.The government had cancelled the tender bid which had attracted 17 suppliers earlier on.

The Indian supplier has meanwhile quoted the lowest rate at four dollars each, thehimalayatimes.com reported today.