KUALA LUMPUR: The cabinet in principle has approved the appointment of project management companies to monitor the implementation of the multi-billion ringgit Pan-Borneo Highway in Sarawak and Sabah.
Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the ministry was waiting for the approval from the Finance Ministry to appoint the project management companies.
"The project was implemented during the Barisan Nasional administration, which, at the time, had appointed project delivery partners (PDP) to monitor the development of the highways in Sarawak and Sabah.
"The PDP would cover all the responsibilities and demands with regard to the development of the highways on behalf of the government.
"The PDP, however, was terminated after the change of government by the PH administration. The responsibility of the PDP was handed over to the Public Works Department (PWD) in the states," he said.
The termination of the PDP, said Fadillah, who is also the Petra Jaya member of Parliament, also contributed to delays in the construction of the projects.
The delays arose from the handing-over procedures from the PDP to the Public Works Departments in Sarawak and Sabah as the new superintending officer for the projects.
"At the moment, the PWD in Sabah and Sarawak is overwhelmed as it is also monitoring big volumes of projects being implemented in the two states.
"For example, in the case of Sarawak, I do not think the PWD alone is able to manage the project," he said.
The termination of the PDP under the PH government had also resulted in the loss of jobs.
"One of the conditions set for the project management companies is for them to re-engage all those PDP workers who were terminated previously.
"They will be given priority in terms of employment because of their experience and knowledge of the project," he said.