KUCHING: Less than four per cent of projects implemented by the Public Works Department (JKR) experience delays or issues at any one time, says Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He said the figure should be viewed in the context of the number of projects undertaken by JKR, involving billions of ringgit in allocations and thousands of projects nationwide.
He urged all parties not to be too quick to point fingers at JKR when a project experiences delays as various factors could affect its implementation.
“That is why I appeal to everyone not to be too quick to point fingers and say that a project is delayed because of JKR. JKR implements the projects but we also depend on the cooperation of other parties,” he added.
“Everyone must work together to ensure projects are not delayed or become sick projects but are completed within the stipulated timeframe.”
He said this during a press conference after the handover ceremony for the construction of the Seized Goods Store for the Customs Enforcement Office today.
Nanta said the Ministry of Works (KKR) would not compromise on delayed projects and aimed to reduce the number of sick projects to zero.
He also stressed that completing projects within the stipulated timeframe was the existing standard set by KKR, while completing them ahead of schedule would be even better.
“From the very beginning, our standard has been to complete all projects we undertake within the stipulated timeframe. On time. Completing them early is even better, ahead of time.”
Nanta said that as of September 2026, a total of 112 projects involving various agencies, with a total allocation of about RM12 billion, were being implemented through JKR Malaysia as the government’s main technical agency.
Of the total, 30 projects had been completed, 38 were under construction, 41 were at the pre-construction stage, while three were at the initial government stage.
On the Kuching Customs Enforcement Office Seized Goods Store project, he said it was successfully completed despite having gone through a re-tender process.
He said the Certificate of Practical Completion (CPC) for the project was issued on May 26, 2026, and the facility was now ready for use by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM).
“Although this was a re-tender, it was eventually completed to a high standard and equipped with proper facilities for use by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department in Kuching.”
Nanta said the success of the project was the result of cooperation between KKR, JKR Malaysia, JKDM and the Ministry of Finance in ensuring that the project met requirements in terms of quality, safety, cost and the stipulated timeframe.
He also reminded contractors to fulfil their responsibilities throughout the Defect Liability Period (DLP), including taking action on any defects identified.
He hoped the facility would be fully utilised to streamline the management of seized goods and enhance the enforcement capabilities of JKDM in Sarawak.
