By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 20: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed to Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) to consider renting excavators to its members so they can undertake projects.
He revealed that he had previously conducted an experiment with Persatuan Kontraktor Melayu Malaysia (PKMM) Sarawak where he had provided an excavator to the association for the use of its contractors.
“They are always awarded with projects amounting up to RM600 million a year but while they have the knowledge, they lack the machines to carry out the work.
“What I did was that I procured an excavator for PKMM and when their contractors are awarded a contract, they rent the machine from PKMM and they do the job themselves,” he said.
He said this when officiating at DUBS Miri’s 14th General Meeting for the 2021-2024 Term held at Eastwood Golf and Country Club in Miri today.
Abang Johari further encouraged DUBS to look into similar cases befalling its members who have the expertise but lack the expensive machines to implement projects.
“If you think it is feasible, I will provide you with the machines because the experiment (with PKMM) seems successful.
“Maybe DUBS can have one excavator each in Sibu, Kuching and Miri, and then you can rent it out to your members,” he said, adding that he will provide allocations for the procurement if DUBS takes up the offer.
He revealed that most contractors who do not own the necessary machines for the projects usually would hire sub-contractors but this would often result in problems of late payment to the sub-contractors because the full payment is normally paid to the main contractor.
“That is why I requested the State Financial Secretary (SFS) to change the procedure whereby the main contractor, upon submitting their tender, must include the sub-contractors too.
“If the main contractor is not able to finish the job, the sub-contractor will take over and the payment will go directly to the sub-contractor. This is to ensure security for the sub-contractors when they go to work,” he elaborated.
Amongst those present were Transport Minister-cum-Senadin assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, DUBS president Datu Abang Helmi Ikhwan and DUBS Miri chairman Abdul Samad Mohd Ali. — DayakDaily
