By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Dec 3: Bumiputera contractors have secured 54.2 per cent of State-funded projects, amounting to RM2.7 billion out of the total RM4.97 billion awarded to date.
During his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas reaffirmed Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s commitment to empowering Bumiputera contractors to allow them to remain competitive and capable of delivering major development projects.
“The training and development programme for Bumiputera contractors and suppliers will continue to be conducted in line with industry needs, covering competency based, general, and online courses.
“As of November 2025, 110 courses have been conducted, benefiting 5,931 participants,” he said.
He added that the Ministry will continue implementing the Program Kontraktor Berdaya Saing (PKBS) to enhance Bumiputera participation through competitive bidding.
Under the programme, 456 contractors have taken part, while 130 projects worth RM79.8 million have been approved.
Uggah also outlined several ongoing initiatives to strengthen the capabilities of Bumiputera contractors and suppliers through collaboration with relevant agencies:
a) Program Peningkatan Usahawan Bumiputera (PUTERA):
Provides assistance worth up to RM20,000 per participant under PBKS, with 80 participants to be selected in the first batch in 2025.
b) Pusat Inkubator dan Bimbingan Usahawan (PIBU):
As many as 25 PIBUs are currently in operation statewide with 6,119 participants. The centres in Bario and Beluru began operations in October 2025.
c) Program Skim Pembiayaan Kontraktor Kecil Bumiputera:
A total of 44 contractors have received RM6.7 million in financial assistance as of November 2025. Last year, 46 contractors benefited from RM5.8 million under the same scheme.
d) Program Pembangunan Vendor Perabot Bumiputera:
Some 34 Bumiputera furniture vendors have been appointed by the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) to supply furniture to government offices, with contracts amounting to RM5 million annually.— DayakDaily
