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Sarawak deputy premier says 36 critically delayed projects identified, under performing contractors to face serious action

Malay Mail
Malay Mail

SIBU, Jan 31 — The state Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development has identified 340 projects categorised as sick and 36 as critically delayed projects state-wide, its minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said today.

He said the Covid-19 pandemic that started in March 2020 was among the causes of the sick and delayed projects.

“But we also have contractors facing manpower issues, financial constraints or lack of building material problems and also delays caused by their sub- contractors,” he said in a statement after visiting the Sibu Division Public Works Department (JKR) office here.

“Now, we want all contractors to deliver the projects according to schedule and without quality being compromised,” Uggah, who is also the deputy premier said.

He said he has directed all the JKR offices in the state to be prepared to take harsh actions against under performing contractors.

“You must have the black heart against them, no more treating them with kid gloves,” he said.

Uggah urged the department to closely monitor the contractors and raise the red flag when any construction work is delayed by 60 days.

“We fear that if no action is taken, the situation can further deteriorate to end up as sick projects,” he said.

Previously he had warned that contractors who failed to start work on their projects within one month after site handing would have their contracts terminated.

He added the department is expected to handle more projects once the state is allowed to implement federal projects worth RM50 million and below without referring to Putrajaya.