KOTA SAMARAHAN, Feb 27 — Sarawak State Public Works Department (Sarawak JKR) has been directed to conduct an assessment study on manpower and other requirements to manage bigger projects.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said he made the directive following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement to allow Sabah and Sarawak governments to manage federal projects worth RM50 million and below in the two states.
“This is a new responsibility handed to Sarawak JKR. We want JKR from the state head office to the division level to carry out assessment on their capabilities in terms of existing officers and what additions we need make,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after attending a briefing on the Sarawak State Farmers’ Organisation (PPNS) building project here today, he said the decision which was included in Budget 2023 recently was in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to recognise the state JKR as a technical department for federal projects.
“So far, the Prime Minister agreed to to give us projects valued at RM50 million and below. If we succeed with the tasks, then we can move forward to asked for all federal projects implemented in Sarawak to he handed over to the state JKR to manage,” he added. — Bernama