KOTA KINABALU: Sick development projects in Sabah have to be reviewed with action plans drawn up within 90 days so that the delays would not continue to affect Sabahans, says Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Madius Tangau.
He said the success of Budget 2027 should not be assessed purely on how much allocations have been announced, he said when debating on the Budget in the Dewan Rakyat Tuesday (Oct 13).
He said the overall budget must take into account projects that have been completed, are in operation with its benefits felt by the people.
The Upko honorary president urged the government to list the total number of development projects implemented by the Sabah Works Department, especially those under RM50mil and below (managed by the state), and projects worth more than that.
Tangau called on the government to also list out the total allocations given for each project and how much exactly has been spent.
On reports of the 33 national level sick projects in Sabah, including those under the Sabah Works Department and the Federal Works Department, he said people have the right to know about these as well.
“This information is vital to identify whether delays are due to funding issues, or contractor’s problems, shortcomings in implementation or handling of projects,” he said.
Tangau said matters on land, design, approval and utilities must be settled before any project commences to reduce hiccups.
He said details on physical progress, actual spendings, date of completion and every extension of time (EOT) must be clearly revealed to the public.
For the second EOT due to contractors’ weaknesses, the government should consider ending their contracts based on the law, he said.
“Tuaran calls for the culture of announcing projects, delaying projects and ultimately forcing these projects to be deemed ‘sick’,” said Tangau.
