‘130 to 300 projects in each GPS-held DUN area from 2019’
MIRI: Each of the 72 state constituencies under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) should have 130 to 300 Sarawak government- funded projects, worth about RM12 million annually, in the period between next year and 2021.
Thus, there should be no reason for locally- registered contractors to be unable to land jobs, said Assistant Minister of Entrepreneur and SmallMedium Enterprise (SME) Development Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, who is also Assistant Minister of E- Commerce.
He further said the Sarawak government allocated RM648 million annually for Minor Rural Projects (MRP), Rural Transformation Programme ( RTP) and house repairs, to the 72 GPS assemblymen – translating to about RM8 million each, which is the same amount given to GPS MPs.
“GPS ADUNs (assemblymen) have also been allocated with RM1 million each for house repairs or rehabilitation (works) which can cover 66 to 100 houses (in their respective constituencies),” Naroden spoke during the ‘Entrepreneur Contractor Symposium’ in Lawas last Saturday.
The assistant minister said the
GPS ADUNs (assemblymen) also have been allocated RM1 million each for house repairs or rehabilitation which can cover 66 to 100 houses. Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, Assistant Minister of Entrepreneur and Small and Medium Enterprise Development
Sarawak government had simplified the project roll- out mechanism by empowering the respective divisional tender committees, chaired by the Resident, to approve and award projects up to a value of RM2 million; while those worth RM1 million and below would be based on the cast-lot system.
There are about 5,779 Bumiputera contractors in Sarawak, and the Sarawak government has allocated RM2 billion for RTP projects – ranging from basic infrastructure such as roads, drains and repair works on schools, to mini stadiums and upgrading works on houses of worship.
Naroden called upon the contractors to not only think about making quick profits; rather, they should strive to improve their competency in carrying out the contracts themselves.
“It’s time to say no to ‘Alibaba’ or ‘Alimama’ for five per cent commission; but (it’s time to) stand on your own feet and undertake the works yourself,” he reminded.
Naroden also advised them against sub- contracting out the entire package of works, although certain components such as piling works could be done that way.
Nevertheless, he also warned contractors that if they were caught flouting the regulations, they could end up being blacklisted and banned from renewing their licence for three years.
“This is not about punishing them; it is for the good of Bumiputera contractors to grow as what the Prime Minister has pointed out,” he said.
Naroden also urged contractors to be financially disciplined by keeping an eye on their accounts and be savvy about sourcing funds, such as overdrafts, to finance their projects.
He suggested that local contractors be given priority for jobs in the districts to eliminate the possibility of subcontracting projects.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development, and Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong, were among those present.