KUCHING: The state government is ready to set aside 30 per cent of all state project tenders to the local Bumiputera contractors.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said this will not only help the contractors but that the contractors will go on to create job opportunities for others.
“Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has implemented this policy of helping Bumiputera contractors in the state, and it works.
“We see the positive effects (of the policy) therefore we will open 30 per cent tender opportunities for the Bumiputera contractors,” the chief minister said when officiating at the Malay Contractors’ Association of Malaysia Sarawak’s (MCAMS) 20th annual meeting here yesterday.
On MCAMS, Abang Johari member contractors should learn to make full use of the association.
“If contractors do not have any machinery for certain projects, they should go to the club (MCAMS). The club should be able to help them out,” he said.
He went on to assure that the state government will consider MCAMS’ proposal to have its own building.
“We will consider the proposal but we will give priority to opening more tender projects to Bumiputeras in Sarawak,” he reiterated.
He said he had allocated another RM5 million for infrastructure projects such as repairing schools, roads, mosque and homes.
“The state government had never wanted to leave out any project even though the federal government has withdrawn three bridge projects.
“We cannot afford to play dirty politics because the world is now looking at us. We play dirty politics, the rakyat will suffer.
“What we must build, we build because the rakyat need them, so that our contractors have projects to do, and so that they in turn will create jobs for workers,” he added.
