By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 30: The Sarawak government will review and improve its payment procedures for consulting firms and engineers involved in State development projects to ensure smoother cash flow and prevent delays in project delivery.
According to a news article by TVS, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari said that the State government acknowledged that there have been challenges in the current payment process, which could affect local professionals’ capabilities.
To address this, he said discussions will be held with the Association of Sarawak Bumiputera Consulting Engineers (GJPBS), the Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), urban planning bodies, and other related bodies, such as the Sarawak State Financial Secretary’s Office (SFS), to formulate a new mechanism that can expedite payments.
“We understand that payments are now based on the project implementation period and not just the cost. However, we will find ways to speed up the payment process without violating treasury instructions,” he said during the GJPBS Anniversary Dinner and Engineer Awards 2025 at the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) Complex last night (Oct 29).
Abang Johari emphasised that the State government is committed to improving the existing procedures so that local engineers, architects, and consultants are not burdened by delayed payments, which can disrupt cash flow and project continuity.
“This involves all professional fields, and we want to ensure that they can carry out their work smoothly without the burden of payment delays,” he said.
During his speech, the Premier also highlighted that Sarawak’s major upcoming mega projects, including the Tanjung Embang Airport, Tanjung Embang Port, and the energy and submarine cable connection project to Singapore, will create significant opportunities for local Bumiputera professionals to participate directly in the State’s transformation agenda towards 2030.
The new airport will be built with a world-class concept based on the Doha Airport model, involving the construction of two runways, a modern terminal building and sophisticated information technology facilities.
“This project is not just an airport, but a complete complex that will feature new generation facilities and involve various consulting and local engineering services,” said Abang Johari.
Abang Johari also added that the Tanjung Embang Port project will be built on reclaimed land seven kilometres from the coast, including the construction of access roads, oil terminals and other supporting infrastructure that requires main contractors and expertise in various engineering disciplines.
He explained that the entire Tanjung Embang area will be developed as a new town and industrial area, therefore creating economic spillovers to the local community.
“Every sector, including architects, engineers and construction workers, will enjoy the benefits of this project, and therefore show the government’s commitment to channel funds directly into the State’s economy,” he said. —DayakDaily
