BATU PAHAT: All Public Works Department (PWD) projects that have fallen behind schedule must submit a “catch-up” or rescheduling plan to ensure timely completion.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said the directive applies nationwide to projects under PWD that are less than 10 per cent behind the initial completion timeline.
“The ministry has instructed we produce more ‘ahead of time’ (AOT) lists instead of ‘extension of time’ (EOT). Projects must meet the original timeline or schedule,” he said after visiting the Batu Pahat PWD office today.
Ahmad said catch-up methods may include increasing manpower, adopting new technologies and introducing extra shift work.
“For example, in Sabah, a housing project for the Armed Forces used three shifts to catch up. Each shift worked eight hours with different workers.
“At night, they carried out tasks that did not disturb residents, such as painting and using machineries that were not noisy.
“This is what a catch-up plan means. We want projects to achieve AOT, not EOT,” he said.
On a separate matter, Ahmad urged all contractors from grades G1 to G7 to seize opportunities in the upcoming government projects listed under 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently.
He said of the RM611 billion allocated for 13MP, a large portion was for development projects, which directly involved the construction industry.
“The construction industry is for contractors. I have reminded all contractors to not miss this chance, as the next one is five years away.
“Plus, under 13MP, the allocation is larger than 12MP, which was only RM400 billion.
“Of the RM611 billion, RM430 billion is government allocation, RM120 billion from government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs), while RM61 billion will come from public-private partnerships,” he said.
Also present at the visit were Johor PWD director Ir Zainal Tumian and district PWD engineer Ir Fairul Azrie Yaacob.
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