By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Apr 14: The Ministry of Works (KKR) will continue to expand opportunities for local contractors, particularly small and medium contractors, so as not to sideline them as operating costs increase due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
Speaking at the monthly KKR assembly, which was broadcast live today, its minister, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, also said people-centric projects will continue, with implementation adjusted realistically and responsively according to on-site conditions.
“I want the ministry to continue expanding opportunities for local contractors, especially small and medium contractors, in maintenance, repair and suitably scaled projects,” he said.
Nanta, who is also Kapit MP, said other plans his ministry has are to decrease the construction sector’s dependence on oil-related costs through the use of Industrialised Building System (IBM), Building Information Modelling (BIM), prefabrication, digital site monitoring, and design optimisation, so that projects can be completed faster, more efficiently, and with less wastage.
He also emphasised that the ministry should coordinate an immediate action plan with the Public Works Department (JKR), the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), and related agencies to regularly monitor the impact of rising oil prices on construction costs and use the data to expedite decision-making.
Meanwhile, he called on staff in his ministry to enhance discipline, efficiency, and integrity in project management; ensure every project delivers added value to the people; avoid wastage; and practise the highest standards of governance.
“We need to be more disciplined and efficient and possess integrity in managing projects. This means that project officers must be attentive to cost changes, expedite the decision-making process, and ensure every project delivers added value to the people.
“In more than just striving to complete projects, we also want to ensure that projects are implemented quickly while being sustainable and avoiding wastage.
“We cannot control what’s going on in the world, but we can determine how we act as a country,” he said. — DayakDaily
