KUCHING: Contractors have been reminded to be fully committed to the state government projects that they are undertaking.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said integrity and professionalism must be upheld in the execution of the projects.
The contractors must take account of their capacity and capabilities when undertaking government projects.
“Contractors must ensure that measures and initiatives are taken to build up the resources of their firms, especially in terms of their financial and technical capabilities. We will no longer tolerate errant or incompetent contractors.
“Based on the New Tender Evaluation Model JKRS Nilai, the evaluation criteria have been duly strengthened and made more stringent to sieve out purportedly incompetent and irresponsible contractors,” he said when officiating at the ‘Seminar on New Initiatives to Enhance Sarawak’s Construction Industry’ at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today (Feb 8).
Abang Johari revealed that the Public Works Department (JKR) has reported to him the present status of project implementation which is of great concern.
Out of 215 projects under construction, 34 projects are critically delayed, 29 projects are behind schedule and 149 are on schedule as of Jan 23 this year.
“I have also received feedback during the State Development Coordination Committee Meetings where the last two briefings were held in Bintulu division and recently in Kapit division. The next meeting will be in Miri division,” he said.
Abang Johari said the state government takes its development goals very seriously and will also do its part to assist bona fide industry players to ensure project delivery excellence.
He has instructed the State Financial Secretary office, Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development and JKR Sarawak to facilitate and engage with all stakeholders, including industry players.
“This is to work out a plan and establish the best possible solution to resolve issues and challenges that the industry players may have.
“The state government will take up the proposal and is ever ready to assist where possible to ensure that all infrastructure development projects can be delivered timely,” he added.
