DEPUTY Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has dismissed claims by Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen that the Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak delays payment to its contractors.
Uggah, who is also Infrastructure Port Development Minister, said Chong’s remarks were false and misleading.
“Payments are made based on verified claims, in line with proper procedures,” he said when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
He explained that the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act (CIPAA) provides mechanisms for late payment and claims disputes.
“To date, there are no outstanding CIPAA disputes with PWD Sarawak,” he said.
During the sitting on November 27, Chong was reported as saying that contractors working on Sarawak government projects are facing long delays in receiving payment, with some waiting six months to a year.
On another note, Uggah also highlighted that in 2023, PWD Sarawak was formally recognised as a technical department under Arahan Perbendaharaan (AP) 182, allowing it to implement federal projects in Sarawak valued at RM50 million and below.
“This requirement ensures that proposals from non-technical departments are properly vetted by qualified engineers and technical experts. With this mandate, PWD Sarawak helps ensure that federal allocations are transformed into tangible benefits for the people,” he said.
He added that PWD Sarawak is currently implementing 189 projects worth RM2.93 billion under AP182, with 14 projects completed, 34 under construction and 141 at pre-contract stage.
On a related note, he said all three sections of the Trans Borneo Highway – covering Miri, Limbang and Lawas – are targeted to be awarded by the first quarter of 2026 via open tender in compliance with Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) requirements for works exceeding RM371.7 million.
“Meanwhile, as of October this year, the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) Phase 1 has reached 62.73 per cent physical progress and is on track for completion in 2027.
“The SSLR Phase 2 is at 5 per cent physical progress and scheduled for completion in 2029,” he said.
He also updated on projects under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) implemented by PWD Sarawak, comprising rural roads, rural bridges and Jiwa Murni road upgrades.
“Progress on the 121 rural road and bridge projects worth RM7.92 billion saw 18 completed, 36 under construction and 67 at the pre-contract stage,” he said.
Uggah added that RM84.05 million has been allocated by the federal government to upgrade four strategic Jiwa Murni road projects, with three already completed and the remaining stretch – Ba’Kelalan to Simpang Bario – at 97 per cent completion.
“KKDW has also approved RM130.5 million to upgrade two completed Jiwa Murni roads to PWD R1 standards that is the road to the Sepupuk Niah Scheme in Miri Division and road to the Rumah Satu, Kuala Mendalam in Limbang Division,” he said.
