A Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) councillor has called for a review of its contractor selection process, saying greater weight should be given to track record, capability and quality instead of simply choosing the lowest bidder.
Mount Austin zone councillor Ng Yew Aik said while competitive pricing was important, selecting a contractor based primarily on the lowest tender could ultimately cost MBJB and taxpayers more if the work was of poor quality or inefficiently executed.
“Ratepayers do not see how many contracts we approve.
“They see the outcome of whether drains are clean, roads are maintained, street lights and public facilities are functioning and complaints are resolved,” he told StarMetro.
Ng proposed that contractor selection be based on a weightage of 30% for tender price, 50% for performance and work records with MBJB, and 20% for management, experience and capability.
He said the proposed weightage could be discussed and refined, but added that only contractors with good performance records should be given an advantage.
He also highlighted the need to avoid gaps between maintenance contracts.
“A one-month gap could have a significant impact on faulty lights, clogged drains and unresolved complaints.
“The tender and appointment process should be carried out earlier so that when the contract ends, the new contractor can take over immediately,” he said.
He also said roadworks, resurfacing and related works, particularly along busy routes such as Pasir Gudang Highway and roads towards Ulu Tiram, needed better planning.
“Such works should be carried out during off-peak hours or at night, where it is safe and practical, to minimise disruption to road users.
“At the same time, safety must not be compromised.
“Contractors are required to provide clear warning signs, sufficient traffic cones, warning lights at night, alternative routes where necessary and appropriate traffic control.”
These requirements should be clearly incorporated into contractor contracts as key performance indicators, he said.
He added that they should be assessed not only on whether work was completed but whether it was done on time, properly, with minimal disruption, and safely.
Ng stressed that he did not intend to suggest that all MBJB contractors were underperforming.
“Those performing poorly should be given opportunities to improve, followed by warnings, closer monitoring and penalties should be applied before contract termination if they continue to fail,” he said.
“Contractors are paid to solve problems, not add to the problems faced by the people,” he said.
