By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Nov 12: 16 development contracts worth half a billion ringgit Malaysia have been implemented by Bumiputera contractors in Sarawak.
This was revealed by Sarawak International Trade & Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh when he said there were 16 out of 36 contracts with a value of RM500 million being offered to Bumiputera contractors under the implementation of Bintulu Development Authority (BDA).
He added these projects include the construction of factories implemented by investors in the Samalaju Industrial Park.
This is a result of the state government’s policy whereby 30 percent of the annual development allocation of ministries, departments, or agencies are to be devoted to the participation of Bumiputera contractors.
He said, however, this does not apply to private sector-controlled industrial sectors such as in the Kidurong Industrial Area and Samalaju Industrial Park, thus he encouraged the private sectors to provide equal opportunities and priorities to Bumiputera contractors as long as they are qualified and capable.
Nevertheless, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has also put in the effort to ensure fair involvement and participation of Bumiputera contractors and vendors in local development projects.
Malcolm, who is also Batang Ai assemblyman, said SEB has implemented a policy for the Bumiputera contractors in the state.
“First, a minimum of 30 percent of the total value of work performed within one year should be allocated to Bumiputera contractors.
“Second, quotations or tenders for work below RM350,000 should be limited to Bumiputera contractors.
“Third, quotations or tenders for supplies, services and consultations below RM200,000 should be restricted to Bumiputera vendors,” he stated during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
He was responding to Samalaju assemblyman Majang Renggi, who enquired the ministry’s actions taken to ensure the involvement of Bumiputera contractors in various industrial sectors in the Kidurong Industrial Area and Samalaju Industrial Park.
With that, he concluded a total of RM124 million involving 129 contracts that have been offered to Bumiputera contractors by SEB only in the Bintulu district.
“Out of this figure, 55 contracts worth RM65 million are in Tanjung Kidurong and five contracts worth RM10 million are in Samalaju,” he explained.-DayakDaily
