THE Sarawak government is actively implementing the ‘Program Kontraktor Berdaya Saing’ (PKBS) this year to increase the participation of Bumiputera contractors through competitive bidding processes.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the programme also aimed at building a pool of capable, competent and resilient contractors that would eventually grow and be able to compete in the open market.
Under the PKBS programme, he said to date, a total of 350 participants have been selected throughout Sarawak to undergo a 10-day training programme.
“This is to strengthen their knowledge and competencies in construction activities and procurement processes.
“Upon completion of their training, they will be given the opportunity to participate in selective tenders for undertaking government projects with a value RM2.5mil.”
He said this when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the August house on Wednesday (May 15).
Uggah, who is also the Second Minister for Finance and New Economy, reaffirmed the Sarawak government’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities of Bumiputera contractors and suppliers while enhancing their participation in the economy.
This, he said, is done by collaborating with relevant stakeholders through the implementation of various programmes.
As of April 2024, he said a total of 256 Bumiputera contractors and suppliers had received machines and equipment amounting to RM1.4mil through the ‘Program Peningkatan Usahawan Bumiputera’ (PUTERA).
Additionally, there are 23 ‘Pusat Inkubator dan Bimbingan Usahawan’ (PIBU) functioning in Sarawak as of April 2024, serving 5,889 participants.
Meanwhile, under the ‘Program Pembiayaan Bumiputera’ (SPKB), a total of RM1.4mil in financial assistance has been disbursed to the contractors under this scheme as of April 2024.
Through ‘Program Pembangunan Vendor Perabot Bumputera’, 32 Bumiputera furniture vendors have been appointed by Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) for the supply of furniture to government offices, with a total contract value of RM5mil per year for the same period.
“The training and development programme for Bumiputera contractors and suppliers will continue to be conducted, covering aspects of competency, generic, and online courses.
“As of April 2024, nine series of training programmes have been conducted, which have benefited 300 participants.”
On the same note, Uggah mentioned that ‘Dasar Penyertaan Kontraktor Bumiputera Dalam Perolehan Kerja/Projek Pembangunan Yang Menggunakan Peruntukan Kerajaan Negeri’ was issued last year.
In the first quarter of 2024, he said the percentage of works awarded was recorded at 77.2 per cent, amounting to RM497mil from the total amount of RM644mil allocated to Bumiputera.
