Kota Kinabalu: The voting process to appoint Class F contractors for government projects will be held more regularly or permanently to give more opportunities to contractors, said Deputy Works Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin.Currently, most government projects are distributed to contractors through direct tenders or appointments.
"I will forward this suggestion to the Minister because this is one way to ensure that small contractors can compete in this industry and it will also be fairer for all parties," she said.
Rosnah was speaking during the opening of the Building Renovation Course at the Tabung Haji Complex, Saturday.
Also present were Contractor Service Centre (PKK) Director Yahaya Hasan, Malay Contractors Association (PKMM) President Dato' Mokhtar Samad and Sabah PKMM President Awadnir Matanggal.
Rosnah said contractors should be grateful that the Government is still freezing new registration for Class F contractors and does not allow higher class contractors to lower their classes.
"This move guarantees that existing Class F contractors will have higher chance to be given contracts by the Government," she said.
She said the Government is constantly working to give better and more dynamic training and courses to contractors.
"PKK is currently restructuring training programmes that will produce more quality contractors. Technical courses such as jetty and bridges, water supply, waterproofing and IBS installation will be implemented so that our contractors can add to their specialised field of work and compete in the construction sector," she said.
Emphasising on the importance of PKK's role as a government's agency, Rosnah urged contractors to channel any problems directly to the State PKK or the headquarters.
"I implore you to use proper channel that the government has provided for you to voice out your opinions and concerns and not other channels that would tarnish the image of the Government.
"I also hope that bumiputera contractors will be more responsible and have higher integrity in completing any project entrusted to them and not to use sub-contractors or sell your bumiputera certificate among others," she said.
Commenting on the Government's plan to establish a team to curb construction failures, Rosnah said it is not the Government's way to find faults with the contractors.
"Rather, the Works Ministry is always finding ways to improve the construction industry in this country.
Therefore, any programme that can support and improve the quality of our contractors, we will implement them," she said.
A total of 120 participants from all over the State took part in the two-day course.
