KUCHING: Petra Jaya MP Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof welcomed government’s announcement that each MP, including those from the opposition, will receive RM300,000 to implement the food basket assistance programme.
He said it will be able to assist more people in the respective constituencies, especially during this difficult time.
“This proves how committed the federal government is in helping the people,” he said today (June 29).
He said this shows that the federal government always puts the welfare of the people as a priority regardless of political beliefs and background.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in his special address on Monday announced that under the National People’s Well-Being and Economic Recovery Package (Pemulih), the government will provide RM300,000 to all MPs, including the opposition for the food basket assistance to help affected groups in their respective constituencies.
In the meantime, Fadillah, who is also the Senior Works Minister, described the Pemulih package as inclusive, comprehensive as well as compassionate to every sector affected by the Covid-19.
“The Ministry of Works fully supports the package which clearly shows how the government prioritises the well-being of the people who are facing great challenges,” he said.
He added the government’s move to simplify the procurement procedures will certainly help drive the construction sector which was affected by a spike in building materials following the pandemic.
“Through the Pemulih package, the government has also allowed price changes or Variation of Prices (VOP) for projects following a significant increase in the cost of building materials until Dec 31, 2021,” he said.
He said the government also aims to help G1 and G4 contractors to carry out small-scale projects by tendering and balloting process, with the use of new civil engineering and building as well as electrical work rate schedules.
“In addition, the government also provides allowance of Extension of Time (EOT) or extension of contract on government projects for supply and service contracts, subject to contract clause, affected by the implementation of the movement control order (MCO),” he said.
He said as such by allowing VOP, it will help the contractor due to the sharp increase in raw material prices at this time.
“This is because the increase in raw materials also has an impact on the contractors’ financial problems. This step can also smoothen the process of demand and supply in construction work,” he said.
“Meanwhile, the EOT extension of the project will allow the contractor to reschedule the work to ensure that it can be fully completed.
“On the other hand if the project is terminated, the financial impact and completion time of the project to be borne by the government is higher due to the time required to appoint a new contractor with a new price is also usually higher than the original contract,” said Fadillah.
