The stalled RTM Bintulu complex project has restarted with a new contractor after a retender, alongside new staff quarters projects in Sri Aman and Sibu.
BINTULU: Construction of the previously stalled Department of Broadcasting Malaysia (RTM) complex in Bintulu has resumed with a new contractor. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the RM17.77 million project was awarded to Laras Jaya Construction Sdn Bhd through an open tender.
The project is now expected to be completed within 18 months. It originally began in September 2020 with a scheduled completion in September 2022.
Physical progress had only reached 44.1% despite nine extensions of time being granted. A notice of default was issued to the original contractor on May 25, 2023.
The contract was officially terminated on December 4, 2023. Teo said some completed building sections can proceed, while others must be demolished for being unsuitable or unsafe after the abandonment.
She spoke at a press conference after the handover of the Letter of Acceptance at the Public Works Department office. The ministry hopes staff can use the new complex on schedule.
Two other RTM quarters projects in Sarawak also received acceptance letters. The nearly RM9.99 million Sri Aman project was awarded to Dema Tega Sdn Bhd.
The RM8.87 million Sibu quarters project was awarded to Crest Engineering Sdn Bhd. Both projects involve constructing 16 residential units each, comprising eight Class F and eight Class G quarters.
All three contracts commenced on February 4. They are expected to be completed by August 3, 2027.
Teo said the projects will enhance housing facilities for RTM staff. The ministry is planning two more development projects in Sarawak now in the final tender stage.
One is the construction of staff quarters for RTM in Limbang, expected to cost about RM11.8 million. Its acceptance letter is anticipated before the middle of this year.
Another project is an additional building for the Sarawak Information Department to expand operational space. Teo said the five projects reflect the government’s commitment to optimal information and broadcasting infrastructure.
