Kota Kinabalu: Only 29 out of 801 projects, or 3.62 percent, under the supervision of the Public Works Department (JKR) are categorized as sick projects, said Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan. He highlighted that the majority of these troubled projects, specifically 22 or 75.86 percent, were due to contractor issues. Additional factors included a change in scope for one project and various issues for six projects.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Maslan detailed that the contractor-related problems included weaknesses in internal management for 11 projects, poor scheduling and planning for seven, financial issues for three, and delays from the Industrialised Building System (IBS) supplier for one project. In Sabah, only two projects out of the 29 sick projects nationwide have been categorized as sick.
During his visit to the Armed Forces Family Housing (RKAT) construction site in Kem Lok Kawi, Ahmad Maslan expressed a positive outlook, stating that over 96 percent of JKR projects are considered healthy. He announced that the RKAT project is scheduled for completion this year, with the contractor implementing measures such as increasing local workforce and working shifts to expedite construction.
Ahmad Maslan acknowledged a slight delay in the RKAT project but emphasized proactive steps to adhere to the timeline set for completion in August. Despite this, there might be a slight delay with the latest completion expected by November or December.
The RKAT project encompasses 513 residential units, including various classes and basic facilities like garbage houses, pump houses, and water tanks, along with mechanical and electrical works for military personnel and their families. The Works Ministry stated that the RM188 million project, initiated on March 8, 2022, has reached 45 percent progress as of last Saturday.
The delay was attributed to a shortage of construction materials, including piles and cement in Sabah during the project’s initial phase. The contractor has submitted a mitigation plan to expedite construction and address the delays. The application of the IBS in the project, covering 257.78 hectares, also aids in shortening the construction period and reducing reliance on manual labor, particularly foreign workers.