RM30b worth of projects currently being implemented in Sarawak, says deputy premier
KUCHING, July 14 — Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah today said infrastructure, telecommunication, water and electricity projects, worth a total of about RM30 billion, are currently being implemented in the state.
He said these large-scale projects are aimed at developing reliable and high-quality infrastructure and amenities across the state to support economic activities and improve the quality of life of the people.
“So there is an abundance of opportunities for our contractors, but at the same time, we want to build up their professionalism, efficiency and capacity,” he said after witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the State Financial Secretary’s Office (SFSO) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) here.
Uggah, who is the minister of infrastructure and port development, said the state government wants these projects to be successfully completed and on time.
“We want to make sure that what the government is spending for development can be implemented efficiently and will aid in enhancing the people’s well-being,” he added.
He said the state government will continue with efforts to enhance or strengthen the professionalism of local contractors.
He added this is absolutely necessary as the government is now spending a lot on big infrastructure development projects.
He said the signing of MoU is for both parties to collaborate towards digitising registration processes and transactions concerning contractors and construction personnel in the state.
He added it is also to improve and strengthen the management of the contractor development and training programmes, monitoring and compliance, as well as to share or exchange information through system integration and other engagement in the industries.
“That is why we are working closely with CIDB and I want to thank the board for this collaboration.
“We want our Bumiputera contractors to achieve a world-class performance standard and that is why we are bringing in all these efforts, creating all these programmes,” he said, explaining that is one of the reasons why the state government is them financially and with the machinery.
He added the state government does not want to see any more sick projects in the state.
Uggah said the Contractor and Consultant Registration Unit of the SFSO had so far registered a total of 5,402 contractors under the Works Category, mainly to undertake physical projects, including 4,624 or 85 per cent are Bumiputera contractors.
He said UPKJ will continue to monitor their performance and compliance to ensure that they maintain the standard and quality mandated and expected.
“The SFSO has also established the Disciplinary Committee to mete out disciplinary actions against those errant ones. The actions include cancellation of the registration and blacklisting its shareholders and directors,” he said.
He also said the SFSO had issued a circular to ensure that 30 per cent of the state government projects are awarded to Bumiputera contractors.
Deputy Financial Secretary Hasmawati Sapawi signed on behalf of SFSO while CIDB Chief Executive Officer Datuk Ahmad Asri Abdul Hamid represented the board.
