Masing thinks highly of Public Works Dept

Masing (third right) with (from left) Ministry of Infrastructure and Ports Development permanent secretary Datuk Safri Zainudin; state JKR director Datuk Ir. Zuraimi Sabki; National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye; Institution of Engineers Malaysia) IEM Sarawak Branch chairman Ir. Haidel Heli, and forum chairperson Ir. Sim Hui Kheng upon arrival at JKR’s Sarawak Safety and Quality Forum 2020 welcoming dinner. Photo: Ramidi Subari

KUCHING: Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak could serve as a benchmark or role model for other government agencies in terms of project delivery, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing.

For JKR, safety and quality come first as they are the top priorities which must not be compromised in project management right from the planning stage until completion, he said.

“Safety is not only a requirement by law or contract; indeed, it is an element of project integrity. Hence, employers and employees must act morally and ethically in providing a safe working environment,” he said during JKR’s Sarawak Safety and Quality Forum 2020 welcoming dinner last Monday.

The Infrastructure and Ports Development Minister further explained that project quality and asset management encompassed the durability of infrastructure, shorter delivery time and reduced downtime.

Masing then spoke about the standard operating procedures (SOPs) which should be respected and adhered to by other agencies and stakeholders who work together with the department.

“Besides safety and quality, cost is most important to me as it determines whether or not more projects could be implemented throughout the state,” he said.

During the dinner Masing also presented the 2019 OSH Best Practice, Sarawak Works Director Award.

In the first category, ‘Project costing more than RM20 million’, the award went to Ibraco Construction Sdn Bhd (contractor) and JKR Sarawak Central Regional Office (superintending officer) for the new Mukah Airport project (final formation, airfield pavement, access road, landside infrastructure and building works).

The award for the second category — ‘Project costing less than RM20 million’ — went to Kiasan Engineering (contractor) and JKR Sarawak Southern Regional Centre (superintending officer) for the proposed reinforced concrete bridge over Batang Ai river, at Merebong in Engkelili, Sri Aman.

The one-day forum was held yesterday with two sessions on occupational safety, health and quality. Eight papers were presented.