KUCHING: Ninety-nine per cent of over 6,000 development projects under the current Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) has been implemented successfully.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Yong Khoon Seng said fewer than 70 projects or not more than one per cent of the total has been grouped as ‘project sakit’ (problematic project).
He pointed out that the number of ‘project sakit’ had been reduced since a task force was formed two years ago to monitor them.
“There are not many of them although I do not know the exact figure offhand. The task force has regular meetings to keep tabs on development projects.
“If needed, I would say fewer than one per cent of the total development projects are ‘project sakit’,” he told reporters before officiating at the 9th Malaysia-Singapore Lui Chiu convention held in connection with the 69th anniversary of Sarawak Lui Chiu Association at MBKS auditorium here yesterday.
Some 240 delegates from Singapore, Melaka and Johor attended the convention.
Yong, who is MP for Stampin, disclosed that the task force would conduct its fifth meeting for the state next Friday with a site visit fixed on the same day.
“For Sarawak alone, we have already had four meetings so far this year.
“The coming meeting is scheduled for Dec 3.”
He said the task force would try its best to pull through delayed projects besides offering remedy to various problems.
If none of these efforts worked, the ministry would not hesitate to terminate the project concerned and call for a new tender, he said.
He added that besides him, members of the task force comprised officers representing the relevant agencies and the development section of the ministry.
In a short welcoming speech, Yong, who is permanent honorary adviser to the Sarawak Lui Chiu Association, lauded Lui Chiu people for being friendly and humble.
He hoped delegates from outside the state would take this opportunity to visit places of interest here as well as tasting the various local delicacies.
“There are over 20 ethnic groups throughout Sarawak and non-Sarawakian delegates must try the traditional food that is not available else where,” he said.
Earlier, organising chairman Tay Ah Tai said the biennial convention had been held for 16 consecutive years.
He added that the convention had received encouraging responses from various Lui Chiu associations in the country as well as Singapore.
Among those present was Sarawak Lui Chiu Association chairman Too Ah Poh.