KUCHING: The state government, through the Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD), is utilising Alternative Funding to accelerate infrastructure projects across the state.
Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) Datuk Aidel Lariwoo said relying solely on traditional funding methods, such as the Malaysia Plan (MP), would significantly slow down project development, especially with rising construction costs.
“Imagine that we are working on projects five or 10 years from now — costs will inevitably increase, including building materials, labour, and other expenses, all of which contribute to inflation.
“Therefore, expediting projects through Alternative Funding is crucial, as it allows us to implement them faster rather than waiting for allocations under the MP and other conventional methods,” he said during the Malaysia Public Works Strategic Collaboration Programme today (Feb 12).
The programme, attended by 107 participants from various agencies under the Ministry of Works (KKR), was officiated by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi at Damai Lagoon Resort.
Meanwhile, Sarawak PWD director Dr Cassidy Morris, in his speech, highlighted the challenges the state faces, particularly rising construction costs and climate-related issues such as landslides, which put additional pressure on project implementation.
These challenges underscore the need to accelerate project execution and explore better cost management strategies.
Cassidy noted that the programme serves as a crucial platform for collaboration, enabling agencies to exchange ideas on improving efficiency and developing strategies to overcome challenges in infrastructure development.
Also present were KKR Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, KKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Azman Ibrahim, MIPD permanent secretary Datuk Chiew Chee Yau, PWD Malaysia director-general Datuk Wira Roslan Ismail, PWD Sabah director Datuk Philemon Lajawai, Malaysian Highway Authority director-general Datuk Sazali Harun, and CIDB chief executive Zainora Zainal.
