PUTRAJAYA: Companies that received contracts for Internet development and upgrading projects but have sold them to other parties, resulting in the projects not being completed within the specified timeframe, may be blacklisted.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said he had instructed the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa to review and implement improvements in the execution of these projects.
"There are several companies where, after they received the contract, they do not execute it. We have issued the strongest warnings.
"We also found companies that after they had obtained the project, admitted that they sold it to another company. How did that company get it (the project) in the first place?
"Unfortunately, many of these decisions were made before I, the Deputy Minister of Communications (Teo Nie Ching), and the secretary-general joined this ministry. We do not know how those decisions were made.
"We have requested them to expedite the process, and if they fail, there are actions that can be taken," he said at a press conference after the Communications Ministry's monthly meeting today.
Fahmi said the ministry was considering blacklisting companies that fail to implement Internet development and upgrading projects within the set timelines.
He said this action was to ensure that the projects were managed properly to prevent wastage and delays, as they involve public funds. He said the ministry would also look into improving the awarding of projects.
"I see that what was done previously in assigning large projects to a small number of companies is risky not only on the integrity aspect but also implementation process.
"When too many projects are undertaken by a single company, it is clear that the company cannot execute them within the specified timeframe, so we request that this matter be reviewed.
"Companies awarded projects need to demonstrate their capability. Failure to execute projects should result in more decisive and prompt action. I had cited examples of several projects that were supposed to be completed by Dec 2022, yet as of today, they are still not finished. How was that company appointed? I don't know either.
"When people complain about Internet connectivity issues, they blame me, the Deputy Minister, and the ministry, but honestly, part of the blame lies with the contractors who have been appointed, the companies that received the contracts for those projects," he said.