PENAMPANG: Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun has urged local contractors to improve their capabilities and ensure every project is completed on schedule, according to specifications and at the required quality standards.
Masidi, who is also Finance Minister, said the ability to deliver projects properly was crucial to building public confidence in and strengthening the reputation of local contracting companies.
“Sabah needs local contractors who are capable of carrying out projects properly, completing them on schedule and maintaining the quality of work. This is the foundation for building confidence in our companies,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the 27th Annual General Meeting of the Malaysian Malay Contractors Association (PKMM) Sabah at Majulan Hotel here, Tuesday.
Masidi said the construction industry played an important role in the State’s development, as every project not only provided facilities for the people but also created opportunities for local workers, suppliers and businesses.
He said Sabah’s development needs remained substantial, particularly in infrastructure, housing, utilities and other economic sectors that offered opportunities for local contractors.
“For the people, what matters most is the outcome; roads that can be used, water supply reaching their homes and public facilities that function,” he said.
Masidi said, as Finance Minister, he wanted to ensure that every ringgit of public funds delivered appropriate value through effective project implementation that directly benefited the people.
“Every ringgit of public funds must provide the value it should, or stretch the value of the ringgit. Development success must be measured by the benefits received by the people, not merely the amount of allocation spent,” he said.
He therefore reminded contractors to assess their actual capacity before accepting projects, including ensuring sufficient cash flow, available manpower and proper project management.
He said any problems that could potentially affect project progress should be reported early so that solutions could be found before work was disrupted.
Masidi also encouraged Sabah contractors to improve their technical skills, strengthen financial management and maintain good performance records to enable more local companies to grow into credible main contractors.
He said a company’s reputation was built through the quality of its work and its ability to complete projects entrusted to it properly.
He also urged contractors to make use of suitable technology to monitor project progress, control costs and reduce wastage, while giving due attention to worker safety and environmental protection.
Meanwhile, Masidi hoped Sabah contractors would not be overly dependent on government projects but instead explore opportunities in the private sector, including energy, oil and gas, tourism and logistics.
He said strategic cooperation among companies should also be strengthened to enhance expertise and open up new market opportunities.
Masidi also called on PKMM Sabah to play a greater role in helping its members obtain training, understand financing requirements and improve their companies’ capacity and competitiveness.
“Give young contractors room to learn and lead. The experience of senior contractors, combined with the knowledge and skills of the younger generation, can strengthen local companies in the long term,” he said.
He stressed that contractors must uphold their responsibility in every project by ensuring work was completed on schedule, complied with specifications and benefited the people.
“That is the most meaningful contribution we can make to Sabah’s development,” he said.
Masidi also hoped the 27th PKMM Sabah Annual General Meeting would produce practical decisions to assist members and strengthen the association’s role in the development of the State’s construction industry.
He said the State Government and PKMM Sabah should continue working together to develop a more professional and competitive construction industry capable of contributing continuously to Sabah’s development.
Also present were PKMM President Datuk Mohd Rosdi Ab Aziz, PKMM Adviser Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub, PKMM Sabah President Mohd Nasruddin Mohd Yaakub, as well as other dignitaries and PKMM leaders.
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