KUCHING: When tendering for government projects, the main contractors in the state are now required to submit the names of their sub-contractors.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who explained that this is a way of controlling the problem of non-payment to the sub-contractors, said that he had requested the State Financial Secretary (SFS) to change the procedure so that when the main contractors submit their tenders, they must also include their sub-contractors.
“If the main contractor is unable to complete a project, the sub-contractor will take over and get paid accordingly. This is also for the security of the sub-contractors,” he said.
He said this while officiating at the DUBS Miri Branch’s 14th general meeting for its 2021-2024 period at Miri’s Eastwood Golf and Country Club yesterday (Feb 20).
He recalled past cases where sub-contractors that did not get paid by the main contractors.
“Previously, the full payments were given to the main contractors according to the procedure,” he said.
On a related matter, he recommended the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) to let its members to rent construction machines.
“I had one experiment with the Sarawak Malay Contractors Association. I bought an excavator for them and they let it out to its contractors.
“The problem is they (contractors from the association) have the skills and knowledge, but they didn’t have the machines to work with.
“So I procured an excavator for the association and when its contractors have contracts, they can rent the machine,” he said.
He suggested that DUBS look into the matter to help its members who have the expertise but do not have the machines to carry out their projects.
“If you think it is feasible, I will provide you with the machines because the experiment with the association seems successful. You should try, at least.
“Perhaps DUBS can have one machine each in Sibu, Kuching and Miri, and then you can let it out to your members,” said Abang Johari.
