By Karen Bong
MUKAH, Aug 14: The Sarawak government has enforced the ‘one-month deliverable’ policy accompanied by stringent vetting and monitoring systems to prevent irresponsible and problematic contractors who try “to put on a hat that is much too big for one’s head”.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg warned that contractors who fail to begin work within one month of being awarded a project will have their contracts terminated.
“We have already terminated a number of contractors for failing to deliver works according to schedule, including those involved in the Kota Samarahan Expressway, Marudi Bridge, and Rambungan Bridge,” he stated during a press conference following the Sarawak Development Coordination Committee meeting at the Government Administrative Office in Mukah today.
To ensure the continuation of these projects, he emphasised that the government has appointed more qualified rescue contractors to take over and ensure their completion.
Abang Johari highlighted the government’s awareness of issues such as financial constraints that lead contractors to subcontract their work or bid at unrealistically low prices, only to later struggle with delivery.
He also called attention to the practice of contractors creating multiple companies to secure government projects, even though they lack the resources to execute them.
“They undertake many projects but do not have the muscles to implement them.
“Contractors go through a tender process, and the government even provides initial funding. We must be strict in project implementation; otherwise, delays will be inevitable, and the people will suffer the consequences,” he stressed. — DayakDaily
