Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urges the Works Ministry to take strict action on contractors delaying crucial infrastructure projects nationwide
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the Works Ministry (KKR) to take firm action against contractors who are lackadaisical and fail to deliver projects on schedule.
The Finance Minister said this is crucial as the ministry oversees numerous development projects involving the people’s interests.
He stressed that even a one-month delay in completing a needed bridge causes hardship for the public.
“If it is postponed for another six months, they are in hardship; delayed by 10 months, it becomes a great hardship,” Anwar said when addressing the ministry’s monthly assembly.
He urged the ministry to list all its projects nationwide and ensure their performance is monitored continuously, not just upon completion.
“If contractors remain lackadaisical and slow, we must take a firmer stance against them,” he added.
Anwar also called for thorough monitoring and immediate action on any obstacles that could delay project implementation.
He emphasised that officers on the ground often have a better understanding of what is needed for timely execution.
The Prime Minister stated that people must feel the results of every development project and government action.
He cited ongoing infrastructure issues in Sabah involving water supply, electricity, and road facilities as a key concern.
Anwar expressed understanding for public frustration in Sabah, where basic issues persist despite changes in leadership.
The government has approved a historic RM17 billion allocation for development and operational expenditure in Sabah.
This includes nearly RM1 billion for water and RM1.2 billion for electricity projects, which remain incomplete.
“We must understand their hardship; until it is completed, they feel marginalised,” he said.
Present at the assembly were Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar was also in attendance. – Bernama
