PETALING JAYA: The RM17.77-million Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) complex project in Bintulu which was previously classified as a sick project, has resumed after a retendering exercise.
According to a news report by FMT, Deputy Communications Minister, Teo Nie Ching, said the project was awarded to Laras Jaya Construction Sdn Bhd through an open tender and is expected to be completed within 18 months.
“The project began in September 2020 and was supposed to be completed in September 2022, but physical progress only reached 44.1 per cent despite nine extensions of time being granted,” she told reporters after the handover of the letter of acceptance at the Bintulu Public Works Department office today.
Teo added that a notice of default was issued on May 25, 2023, before the contract with the original contractor was officially terminated on Dec 4 that year.
“Some completed sections of the building can proceed with construction, but other parts will need to be demolished as they are no longer suitable or safe for use after the project was abandoned in 2023,” she said.
Two other RTM projects in Sarawak have also received letters of acceptance.
The construction of RTM quarters in Sri Aman, valued at nearly RM9.99 million, was awarded to Dema Tega Sdn Bhd, while the Sibu project, worth RM8.87 million, went to Crest Engineering Sdn Bhd. Both projects involve 16 residential units each.
All three contracts commenced on Feb 4 and are expected to be completed by Aug 3, 2027.
Teo said her ministry is planning two more projects in Sarawak that are in the final stage of the open tender process, including staff quarters for RTM in Limbang, estimated at RM11.8 million, and an additional building for the Sarawak Information Department.
