Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urged for contractor screening in Malaysia to be implemented to ensure that only truly active contractors are highlighted in the construction industry. Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the move aims to avoid unhealthy competition that could affect the sustainability of real players in the relevant industry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zahid emphasized the necessity of this screening, stating, "This (screening) must be done. Otherwise, we will continue to compete against each other. Some of this competition is healthy, but a lot of it is unhealthy." He made these remarks during his speech at a dinner at the Opening of the 46th Annual General Meeting of the Malaysian Malay Contractors Association (PKMM).

Also present at the event were Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan and PKMM president Datuk Mohd Rosdi Ab Aziz. Zahid further highlighted the importance of trust in the ministry and the existing system to ensure the smooth implementation of projects. He addressed the issue of project delays and argued that it is unfair to place the blame entirely on the contractor, particularly when payments are delayed. "There might be about five to seven per cent of contractor errors... but how can a contractor want to continue working if the available funds aren't paid," he noted.

Meanwhile, PKMM president Datuk Mohd Rosdi Ab Aziz commented on the proposed screening, stating that the new system is believed to be capable of detecting the majority of those involved in cartels, which adversely affect the construction sector.