Works Ministry warns of blacklisting for contractors who fail to complete projects on time, citing management flaws as the primary cause of delays.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Works Ministry has issued a stern warning to contractors, stating that strict action, including blacklisting, will be taken against those who fail to complete projects within the stipulated timeframe without reasonable grounds.
Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said an internal study found about 75% of project failures were due to contractors’ own management shortcomings.
He cited weaknesses in project and financial management, procurement, and manpower as key issues.
“Contractors are entrusted with implementing projects responsibly, as every cent spent involves the people’s money and public funds,” Nanta said at a handover ceremony for the Sibu Prison project.
He added that he would not hesitate to take firm action for non-compliance with contractual terms.
The ministry will, however, continue to consider contractors facing genuine difficulties from factors beyond their control.
It maintains strict standard operating procedures for handling delays, aligning with a target of zero sick or delayed projects.
The newly awarded Sibu Prison project involves a cost of RM275.33 million and a 36-month construction period.
It is expected to be fully completed by February 2029, with Nanta expressing hope for an on-schedule or ahead-of-time completion.
“The longer a project takes to be completed, the longer the public has to wait to benefit from government initiatives,” he stated.
He challenged the project team to achieve zero sick projects, zero delays, zero extensions of time, and zero accidents on site.
The new prison will replace a facility over 100 years old and is expected to reduce prisoner overcrowding by up to 19%.
It will also increase the readiness of prison officers to 75% through the provision of sufficient residential quarters within the complex.
