KOTA KINABALU: Sabah can expect faster procurement and appointment processes for infrastructure development in the state.
State Public Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya commented on the authority given by the federal government to implement projects worth RM50 million and below through the Sabah Public Works Department.
"With the authority granted by the federal government for the Sabah state government to make decisions under local procurement, it will undoubtedly expedite the procurement and appointment process.
"These projects involve initiatives such as building schools, constructing rural roads, building bridges, and providing electricity," he told reporters after the State Railway Department National Dual Training System convocation ceremony at Wisma Wanita here.
Shahelmey, who is also the deputy chief minister, added that despite a slight delay in June in finalising the titles of projects, about 60 projects granted to the state, half had successfully undergone the tendering process.
The remaining projects will be tendered early next year.
Earlier, he expressed hope that the 38 staff from the Sabah Railway Department who graduated from the National Dual Training System would enhance the quality of their work and efficiency in their daily tasks.
"These graduates are involved in tasks related to the Sabah State Railway Department, including technical, station and ticketing management, and more.
"In line with technological and academic advancements, the Sabah State Railway Department has entered into memoranda of understanding with Universiti Malaysia Pahang and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn in Johor to train their staff at higher levels such as master's and doctoral levels.
"They will also undergo technical training with agencies within the country and abroad."
Present at the event was Sabah director Leonard Stephen Poyong.