MIRI: The Sarawak government will give priority to local contractors for development projects, assures Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Awang Tengah, who is also International Trade and Industry, Industry Terminal and Enterpreneur Development minister, reminded Class C and F bumiputera contractors not to practice the “Ali Baba” or “Ali Mama” concept.
“I believe that Class C and F Bumiputera contractors are competitive…when you are awarded contracts, please ensure that work carried out is according to the design or specifications.
“Please do not subcontract your jobs to other contractors,” he advised.
He added that the state government would not hesitate to take strict action against errant contractors.
Awang Tengah was speaking at the 10th Contractors Entrepreneurs Symposium at Marudi Civic Centre near here yesterday.
He also presented contracts worth RM1 million to contractors in Marudi.
“Various initiatives and contracts are given and awarded by the state government to our Bumiputera contractors via the Rural Transformation Project (RTP), Minor Rural Project (MRP)…these have helped open up more opportunities to our contractors,” he said.
Awang Tengah pointed out that the state could no longer depend on the federal government to provide infrastructure and amenity projects.
“After the 14th General Election, our political scenario has changed…a lot of development projects, which were approved during the previous federal government, have been slashed due to financial constraints,” he said.
Also present were Sarawak Legislative Assembly deputy speaker Datuk Gerawat Gala, International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development assistant minister Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, Local Government and Housing assistant minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil and Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
