‘RTP projects under RM1 mln now through cast balloting, up from RM750,000’
SIBU: All Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) projects in Sarawak valued at RM1 million and below will go through the cast-balloting system starting this year.
Assistant Minister of Entrepreneur and Small, Medium Enterprise Development Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais said at the same time, projects valued between RM1 million and RM2 million will go through the divisional tender board chaired by the respective Resident, while those over RM2 million will go through the State Tender Board.
“This is indeed a piece of good news to all contractors from Class F to C,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.
He said the matter was announced during a ‘Contractors Entrepreneurs’ symposium held here last week, which was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
“The symposium was the suggestion of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is the minister responsible for the development of our Bumiputera entrepreneurs and contractors, in making sure they are prepared to carry out minor rural projects (MRP) and RTP projects, repair of houses and other projects which will be implemented by the Sarawak government,” he said.
Mohd Naroden, who is also Assistant Minister of ECommerce, said there had been many MRP and RTP projects implemented across Sarawak, including construction of village link-roads, small bridges, jetties, drains, culverts, community halls, sports facilities, as well as repair of houses of worship.
According to him, the majority of these projects were distributed via cast balloting, quotation and tender at divisional and state level.
“Under the old system, projects valued at RM750,000 and below would be through cast balloting at the Resident’s Office. Those over RM750,000 but below RM1 million would be tendered at divisional level,” he said, adding that projects valued at over RM1 million would be tendered at state level.
He said with each Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) assemblyman having access to RM5 million worth of RTP projects and other allocations, there are plenty of opportunities available for local contractors.