KUALA LUMPUR: The RM15.09 billion in highway-related projects awarded to Bumiputera contractors highlights their growing capacity to handle large-scale undertakings.
Malaysian Bumiputera Contractors Association president Datuk Azman Yusoff commended both the government and highway concessionaires for their continued support.
"This is a very positive development, and we believe concessionaires will continue to assist Bumiputera contractors. The government is well aware of the capacity of G1 contractors, whose completed projects have been of significant value," he said in response to the Works Ministry's announcement that highway-related projects awarded to Bumiputera contractors in Grades G1 to G7 reached RM15.09 billion by the third quarter of 2024.
This amount nearly matches the RM15.10 billion allocated to the group last year.
Yesterday (Dec 22), Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said that of the total, RM335 million was awarded to 1,631 G1 Bumiputera companies this year, compared with RM333 million awarded to 1,585 G1 Bumiputera companies last year.
Azman expressed optimism for the future, particularly following the recent parliamentary approval of the Works Ministry's budget.
He believes this will pave the way for more small- and medium-scale projects in 2025.
"We hope that more small and medium-sized projects will be executed in line with the approved budget," he said.
Azman also said key areas where the government should focus to further support Bumiputera contractors, included ensuring reasonable pricing, accelerating the tendering process, increasing access to financial assistance, and enhancing technical expertise.
"Ensure project offers are aligned with fair and reasonable prices, and accelerate the tendering process to avoid unnecessary delays. Also, increase access to financial aid, including digital banking solutions, and enhance the expertise of personnel from agencies like the Public Works Department to expedite project completion," he said.