Eight 'sick' gov't projects worth over RM500m identified in Johor
At least eight government projects in Johor, collectively worth more than half a billion ringgit, have been identified as "sick projects" for not being completed in time.
These infrastructure and building projects have been delayed for months and, in some cases, even years, reported The Star.
Such projects include the RM89.4 million Iskandar Puteri district police headquarters, which has been delayed since 2016.
Another problematic project is the RM18.9 million Ungku Tun Aminah government clinic and quarters, which has been delayed for almost 15 months.
In Mersing, a project to upgrade government quarters worth RM24 million and a project to build and upgrade an institute's quarters worth RM23.6 million have been delayed as well.
Meanwhile, an RM15.6 million project to rebuild new offices for the Muar Road Transport Department, and a new bridge project worth RM6.6 million in Kota Tinggi are also reportedly facing problems.
At least two road upgrading projects between Bandar Penawar and the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC) have been delayed for seven months.
Both projects involved road expansion from two lanes to four lanes totalling 26.8km and are valued at approximately RM358 million.
Project contractors reportedly faced problems such as hiring foreign workers, land acquisition, delays in moving of utility cables and pipes, not being paid on time by the government and not enough machinery.
Johor Works, Infrastructure and Transport Committee chairperson Mazlan Bujang told The Star that these projects were given out during the tenure of the previous government.
The new government, both at the state and federal levels, was committed to ensuring the completion of all such 'sick' projects.
“I have directed the Public Works Department to closely monitor these projects and get them completed,” he said.
According to Mazlan, the contractors of problematic projects would be blacklisted from participating in future projects and would also face liquidated and ascertained damages (LADs).
He reportedly also stated that projects under the new Pakatan Harapan government are mostly done via open tender, which is a practice that could save at least 10 percent in cost.
Those who received contracts in the past via direct negotiations were not genuine contractors, but those who sold their contracts to others for quick gains, he alleged.
So very obvious that foul play n corruption involved. Any Tom Dick n Harry can spot it.
Good that something is being done to clean up these 'sick' projects. Am a bit concerned when it is stated that "most", not all future projects will be Open Tender. Direct negotiations can only happen in the rarest of circumstances. Your paperwork for this type must be fully up to scratch and every Sen accounted for. I am also a bit disturbed that it is mentioned that Open Tender will have savings of 10% or a little bit more over Direct Negotiated contracts. The Direct contracts in most cases have had a minimum 200% mark up from real value. 10% saving on Open Tender is pathetic. Looks like still plenty of wiggle room, for the few to make a bucket load of easy money.
Mazlan, pls report to MACC n hv those involved hauled up for wasting govt funds. No excuses, handcuffs n orange t shirt pls.
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