SIBU: The Sarawak Building and Civil Engineering Contractors As soc i at ion (SBCECA) ha d received complaints from members in the Central Region that they could not obtain any sand and gravel for filling works.
Its chairman, Tang Yu Chang, disclosed that the sand/gravel contractors or suppliers operating in Central Region have their licences from Magna Focus Sdn Bhd suspended for the time being. He had no idea when they could resume operation.
“We have learned that Magna Focus Sdn Bhd, the sole sand/ gravel extraction license holder has not secured the renewal of their licences with the Land and Survey Department,” he told New Sarawak Tribune here yesterday.
The shortage/stoppage has severely affected the progress of projects, and the contractors involved are suffering huge losses as machinery and workers are lying idle at construction sites.
“We urge Magna Focus Sdn Bhd to take immediate action to sort out whatever problems they might have with the authorities to ensure continuous supply of sand and gravel for the construction sites. “A temporary licence should be obtained from the Land and Survey Department to mitigate the negative impacts on the construction industry.
“For the good of the construction industry as well as to safeguard the interest of all stakeholders, we urge the Chief Minister to relook into the practice of issuing sand/gravel extraction licence to a sole company,” said Tang.
