Eight ‘sick’ projects in Sarawak, 31 behind schedule – Report

KUCHING: Eight out of 498 physical projects being implemented in Sarawak up until Dec 31, 2017 have been classified as ‘sick’ by the Auditor- General.

The projects, worth RM5.36 billion, are the Sungai Sibuti bridge and access road to Bekenu in Miri; RC Cargo Wharf in Daro; RC Jetty in Lawas; RC Jetty in Sundar, Lawas; upgrading of Lorong 3 drainage system and relocation of a village in Marudi; upgrading of drainage system at Jalan Selirik in Kapit; rebuilding of Rumah Seri Kenangan in Kuching; and the construction of Jalan Basi in Sri Aman division.

The findings, part of the Auditor- General’s Report tabled in Parliament yesterday, also mentioned that 166 projects in Sarawak are either on schedule or ahead of schedule.

Thirty- one others are behind schedule while another 293 projects are still in the planning stage.

The report, however, also stated that as of Feb 28 this year, three of the 31 projects categorised as ‘ behind schedule’ have been completed, along with one of the eight ‘sick’ projects.

Among the reasons for sick and delayed projects are technical, logistics, problems involving contractors, weather and issues surrounding land acquisition, according to the report.