KOTA KINABALU: An official visit by Sabah Builders Association (SBA) and the Sabah Bumiputera Contractors Association to Deputy Works Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirli recently, has become an initial pilot effort by both associations to promote, enhance and safeguard the interest of local contractors in the development of the state.
During the meeting, president of the Builders Association of Sabah (SBA), Cheong Kwee Ming and president of the Sabah Bumiputera Contractors Association, Jolius Jawai submitted a memorandum on the design, construction and maintenance of the 1,633km Pan Borneo Highway with 727km within Sabah.
In the memorandum, the two presidents called on the federal government, through the Ministry of Works, to provide equal opportunities and priorities to involve in the project and to protect the interest as well as to assist Sabahan contractors in all federal government-funded projects.
Cheong was grateful for the support given by Rosnah.
“Although the deputy minister was very busy, she was willing to spare her precious time to listen and receive the proposals and recommendations set out in the memorandum concerned,” he said.
Rosnah, who is also Papar member of parliament, responded positively to the proposal and with full confidence she personally will deliver a key message to her minister about the involvement of Sabahan contractors, especially in the process of design, construction and maintenance of the Pan Borneo Highway.
She further agreed that the success of the contractors in the state will be the benchmark of accomplishment and progress, and will directly elevate and enhance the construction industry as well as the overall economic performance of the state.
At the end of the meeting, the two presidents expressed hope that the department and the ministry concerned, through Rosnah, would be able to comprehend the significance of utilising local contractors in the implementation of the project.
Both presidents look forward to a fair share allocation of 70 percent for local consortium and credible contractors.