Kuala lumpur: The Works Ministry (KKR) is closely monitoring 50 "sick" projects nationwide to ensure their implementation returns to schedule, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said. He stated that out of the 865 projects under the ministry's purview, 50 have been flagged as delayed, with seven of the 104 projects in Kelantan specifically classified as "sick."
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nanta attributed the delays to several factors, including contractors' financial and management problems, land acquisition issues, utility relocation challenges, and unforeseen site conditions like underground obstructions that were not detected during the planning stage. He explained that the ministry is actively assessing each project to determine the best course of action, which may include granting extensions or terminating contracts.
"To date, we have identified 50 sick projects out of 865 projects nationwide. We closely monitor each one to determine the most appropriate course of action, including whether a project should be terminated. However, if a project is close to completion, with only about 10 to 15 per cent of the work remaining, we may grant an extension of time (EOT), as terminating the contract and appointing a new contractor would incur higher costs," Nanta elaborated.
He shared these insights with reporters during a working visit to the FT209 and FT131 road upgrading project from the Pasir Hor interchange to Panchor. Nanta emphasized that the status of delayed projects is reviewed weekly following the post-Cabinet meeting to gauge progress and identify measures for timely completion.
"I have also tasked my deputy with overseeing the monitoring of sick projects nationwide to ensure follow-up actions are carried out effectively. We review these projects every week. For projects that continue to record unsatisfactory performance, appropriate action will be taken, including removing contractors or terminating contracts. However, any decision to terminate a contract must be made carefully and in accordance with proper governance to avoid potential legal action," he explained.
Discussing the FT209 and FT131 road upgrading project, Nanta highlighted that the RM191 million project is on track for completion in September next year. The six-kilometre project aims to alleviate traffic congestion along Federal Road FT131, particularly on the route from Kubang Kerian to Sabak and onwards to Pengkalan Chepa.
"The project has achieved 71.61 per cent physical progress to date, while land acquisition involving 300 lots has cost more than RM200 million. We also received a request from Pengkalan Chepa Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary, who is present today, to address flooding affecting nearby residents as a result of the project. To resolve the issue, I have instructed the contractor to immediately construct a temporary 40-metre drainage channel to mitigate the flooding until the project is completed next year," Nanta concluded.