(Kuching, DEC 15) Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah pointed out that Sarawak has a total of 11 sick project sites. These projects include school construction in education, healthcare, and rural development projects.
He disclosed that among the 11 sick projects, 5 are due to contractor issues, 3 are related to project implementation, 1 due to design changes, and 1 related to utility issues.
Datuk Seri Fadillah made these remarks at a press conference after chairing the meeting on the progress coordination of Sarawak Development Plan execution at the Malaysian Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority in Samarahan, stating that he is tasked by the Prime Minister to oversee matters related to Sabah and Sarawak's project implementations.
“Last week, I had a meeting in Sabah, and this is the first meeting in Sarawak. The purpose of this meeting is to gather reports on all approved projects, understand their funding allocations, and find solutions to ensure these projects can be effectively executed as planned and within the approved budget. ”
He disclosed that, as is generally the case in the implementation process of projects, various challenges are encountered. According to the report, there are still 3 projects under the 10th Malaysia Plan yet to be completed due to certain issues.
He mentioned that reports submitted by the Malaysian Implementation Coordination Unit indicated that some projects in Sarawak were affected. Although most projects can be completed smoothly, there are still 11 projects in Sarawak classified as sick.
“We discussed how to salvage these sick projects; some can be saved and completed, but others need to be submitted to specialized committees for further discussion to seek solutions.”
He said these sick projects were due to contractors failing to complete them, so the authorities had to re-tender and find ways to complete these projects.
“Some sick projects, although being implemented, face unsolved land issues, need scope modification, or require additional funding. ”
He gave examples of some projects approved in 2019 that could not be implemented for two years due to the pandemic. Two years later, they faced cost changes and increases, requiring additional funding.
Datuk Seri Fadillah pointed out that sometimes the government could not provide this additional funding promptly, necessitating a reevaluation of the projects.
“In Sarawak, most of the unfinished projects stem from contractor issues, similar to the situation in Sabah and other states. ”
He stated that around 45% of project issues are due to contractors failing to complete projects on time because they face many challenges, especially financial capacity shortages.
“Therefore, authorities had to cancel some contracts, which also led to project delays. We are continuously looking for solutions to ensure improvements in the overall efficiency of project implementation. ”
He requested the executing agencies to regularly update the project progress reports and closely monitor project implementations.
“We are also exploring ways to strengthen technical and human resources support between federal and Sarawak government-related agencies, especially when extensive projects are involved in Sarawak. ”
He said if projects face manpower shortages, negotiations are needed with federal agencies to seek support.
Datuk Seri Fadillah pointed out that some sick projects also involve utility issues leading to some projects nearing completion but lacking the completion of facilities like electricity supply.
He mentioned that some sick projects will be taken over by rescue project contractors. In Sarawak, around 40 contractors are registered as rescue project contractors, and they must be registered through the Malaysian Construction Industry Development Board.
He emphasized that of the 11 sick projects in Sarawak, some can be completed next year, while others may need contract termination and retendering.