KUCHING: Contractors awarded state government projects in Sarawak must start work within one month of the award date, says Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas (pic).
The Sarawak Deputy Premier said those who failed to do so would face stern action, including termination of the deal.
He said this was among the measures taken to prevent the occurrence of sick or delayed projects, which were viewed seriously by the state government.
In this respect, he added that more stringent conditions would be imposed in awarding contracts.
"We have noticed some contractors getting 20 or more contracts, for instance, which we fear will be beyond their capacity," he said when chairing the Betong division development committee meeting in Betong, about 246km from here, on Monday (Jan 9).
Uggah said the state government was also concerned about the process of repeated subcontracting.
"This can adversely affect the quality of the end product. Worse still, the projects may end up delayed or sick.
"When this happens, the people will be the ones who suffer. The government's reputation and integrity will be at stake as well," he said.
In addition, Uggah said allocated development funds must be spent within the specified period.
For example, he said the Betong Division Development Agency had been allocated a development budget of RM1.5bil.
"We need to utilise these funds, but if we have non-performing contractors and delayed or sick projects, then we will face problems," he said.
He called on government departments and agencies to work with elected representatives in monitoring the implementation of projects.
