By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 9: Thirty federal projects in Sabah and Sarawak, 15 in each State, are targeted for completion this year.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the projects are being implemented under the Public Works Department’s (JKR) Special Project Team 2 (PPK2) led by Datuk Jasmi Wahab, which oversees a total of 122 federal projects worth RM7.38 billion across both States.
Of the 122 projects, Sarawak has 54 while Sabah has 68.
“Last year, we completed 21 projects worth RM466 million — 12 in Sabah valued at RM203 million and nine in Sarawak totaling RM263 million.
“For this year, we expect 30 projects in Sabah and Sarawak to be completed — 15 in each State,” he said at a press conference held at Wisma Hong, Kuching, today.
Among the 15 projects in Sarawak to be completed this year are SMK Engkilili in Lubok Antu and the multipurpose hall at Institute for Rural Advancement (INFRA) Sarawak Branch in Samarahan.
Ahmad also provided details on the PPK2 projects by type. In Sarawak, there are five health projects valued at RM736 million and 13 school projects worth RM982 million. In Sabah, there is one health project valued at RM85 million and 30 school projects totaling RM1.079 billion.
He further stated that most projects under PPK2 are progressing smoothly.
“Based on the latest reports on my desk, 46 projects in Sabah and 35 in Sarawak are running well. Of these, 18 projects in Sabah and 18 in Sarawak are on track,” he said.
He also noted that there are two ‘sick’ projects in Sabah and one in Sarawak, meaning they are more than 20 per cent behind schedule.
According to Ahmad, the main challenges facing PPK2 are shortages of building supplies and high diesel costs for the construction industry.
He further explained that the shortages include Industrialised Building System (IBS) components and other essential materials such as tiles, fire-rated doors, roofing, aluminium frames, AAC blocks, cement, timber, and steel.
“Currently, there is only one IBS supplier in Sarawak and two in Sabah. For other materials, most supplies have to be brought in from Peninsular Malaysia. This limited supply has caused higher prices and slower production, affecting construction schedules,” he said.
Ahmad also raised concerns over the high cost of diesel for contractors, which currently stands at around RM6.72 per litre, compared with the subsidised rate of RM2.15 per litre for the public. Heavy machinery used in roadworks and other construction depends on diesel, putting additional pressure on contractors.
He said the Ministry of Works (MOW) will submit proposals to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to address these challenges and ensure that construction continues smoothly.
Ahmad stressed that the federal government aims to prevent layoffs of local workers despite rising costs and urged suppliers not to keep material prices high even after global conditions improve. — DayakDaily
