KUCHING, Sept 17: Contractors responsible for development projects in Sarawak will now be monitored closely by both the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) as well as the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR).
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said they aimed to identify and nip problematic contractors in the bud to avoid any prolonged delays in the construction schedule.
“For us in the ministry and JKR, the bottom-line is we want all construction projects to be delivered on time. It is absolutely important to us that the duly completed projects can serve the people..
“We have seen where some areas are deprived of links to other parts of the State. This is also about upgrading the quality of our transportation system like what the Pan Borneo Highway and our Second Trunk or Coastal Road are going to do,” he said in a statement today.
Uggah, who is also MIPD Minister, urged industry players and JKR to go into top gear to recover lost time due to lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In terms of workers shortage, he said he would continue discussion with the Sarawak State Secretary Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki to facilitate the recruitment of foreign workers.
“But, I am also appealing to the companies to recruit more local people as their workers. Apparently there are some local workers available,” Uggah added. — DayakDaily
