KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas is optimistic the Public Works Department (JKR) will be able to properly utilise the new RM50mil ceiling for federal project implementation in Sarawak.
He said he had assured Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the latter’s recent visit here that Sarawak JKR had ample experience in implementing big projects before.
Anwar had announced that Sarawak and Sabah would each be allocated the fund and would not have to refer to Putrajaya regarding the whole implementation process.
“This autonomy would do away with bureaucracies and delays,” he said when attending a JKR briefing on the implementation progress of projects, especially for Kapit Division at the JKR headquarters at Wisma Saberkas on Friday (Jan 27).
Uggah had earlier declared open the department’s directorate office at the same venue.
“I am confident JKR will be equal to the task although this is very challenging given the size of the state. It is extremely important that we can deliver and will deliver as scheduled and with no compromise on quality.
“Thus, it is very critical we must do well. This is because the Prime Minister had promised if we do well, the future value of allocation could go up.
“As such, from now on, we must resolve any issue which can affect our performance. We must review our SOPs, system, manpower, and ways of doing things,” he stressed.
Uggah, who is also Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, was glad to note that the department too had its new Key Performance Index (KPI), which is ‘Zero Projek Sakit’, and hoped that 2023 would bring in a new and positive image for the department.
Also present were ministry permanent secretary Chiew Chee Yaw, Sarawak JKR director Richard Tajan and others.
