KUALA LUMPUR: Eight healthcare facility projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) have been granted Extensions Of Time (EOT), with their completion dates rescheduled to next year.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the extensions were approved due to several factors, including delays in obtaining piling materials for the construction sites and issues with the supply of ready-mix concrete, as seen in the construction of the staff quarters project in Langkawi.
“Unforeseen on-site issues also contributed to delays, such as the discovery of underground electrical cables and water leakage, as occurred in the upgrading of the Emergency Department of Kuala Lumpur Hospital project.
“Meanwhile, the construction of the Papar Hospital project faced delays due to the need for existing pipe-cutting works to be completed by the Sabah State Water Department before on-site works could proceed,” he said in a written parliamentary reply, in response to Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (PN-Tanjong Karang).
He said there were also projects delayed due to contractor weaknesses, such as the construction of Kemaman Hospital.
“The Public Works Department, as the implementing agency has referred this project to the Problem Solving Governance (PSG) Meeting.
“A certificate of non-completion was issued on Aug 13 and liquidated ascertained damages amounting to RM79,323.60 per day have been imposed starting from July 27.
“The department is currently preparing a working paper to be presented to the contract coordination panel committee.”
He, however, said that based on the current data review, a total of 23 out of 41 projects have been completed.
Meanwhile, two projects have had their contractors terminated and are currently in the re-tendering process for the appointment of completion contractors.
“The remaining eight projects are still in the implementation phase, on schedule and are expected to be completed according to their respective current completion dates.
“Of this, seven projects have achieved more than 95 per cent progress and are expected to be completed as scheduled.”
He said the ministry, together with the implementing agencies, conducts continuous monitoring through the ministry development action committee and other meetings as required by the projects.
“This is to ensure that on-site works run smoothly and are carried out according to schedule.”
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