By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 22: The Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) is now shouldering a major responsibility, implementing 466 infrastructure development projects across the State worth RM42.68 billion, under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
In a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) report, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas stated that out of the total projects, 200 have been completed, 178 are scheduled to be tendered this year, and 128 are currently under construction.
“However, 15 projects are experiencing delays, and eight are at a critically delayed stage,” he said.
He said this during the Sarawak JKR 2025 Appreciation Ceremony held at a hotel in Bintulu on Monday (July 21), which also honoured 42 retirees and 142 recipients of the Excellent Service Award (APC) for the 2025 assessment year.
Uggah emphasised the importance of close monitoring of contractor performance and suggested shortening the grace period for delays to expedite corrective actions.
“Previously, we would only act after 100 days of delay for three-year projects and 60 days for two-year projects.
“Now, we propose reducing the threshold to just 30 days, so that timely and effective actions can be taken,” he said.
Meanwhile, he expressed his gratitude to the retirees for their service to the State government and congratulated the APC recipients, whom he described as role models for all department staff.
“Excellence does not come easily. It requires commitment, integrity, and continuous diligence. May this culture of excellence become the norm in Sarawak JKR,” he said.
Sarawak Deputy Ministers of Infrastructure and Port Development, Dato Majang Renggi and Datuk Aidel Lariwoo; Ministry Permanent Secretary, Datu Chiew Chee Yau; and Sarawak JKR Director, Dr Cassidy Morris, were also present. — DayakDaily
