KUALA LUMPUR:Frustrated with the increasing number of abandoned projects and shoddy work by contractors, the Government has decided to put people power into service.
The public will be invited to become the eyes and ears of the Works Ministry to prevent hanky-panky and reduce costs arising from the need to revive abandoned projects and repair slipshod work.
Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said this would be part of a code of ethics and a performance-appraisal system for contractors likely to be implemented next year.
He said it was aimed at preventing abuse of government projects.
The public could contact the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) if they felt things were amiss with any government construction project.
The code, drawn up by contractor associations and government departments, requires contractors to finish their job on time and according to specifications.
Contractors will also have to sit for integrity courses.
“These are drastic measures. Once implemented, the code of ethics and appraisal system will have to be adhered to by contractors registered with the CIDB.
“The interesting point is that the public will become whistle-blowers. Their complaints can be submitted to the CIDB, which will conduct an investigation.
“The case will then be referred to the Contractors’ Code of Ethics Compliance Monitoring Committee for disciplinary action.”
The disciplinary action includes suspending or revoking the registration with the CIDB and barring them from taking part in government tenders.
He said the CIDB would publish the contact number and have a call answering service. Details will be released later.
“We are emphasising integrity. The code and the public acting as a watchdog will, we hope, ensure this. There has been an increase in cases of abandoned projects and shoddy work.
“The Government has to pump in more money to revive or repair such projects.”
Samy Vellu said this after launching PLUS Expressway Berhad’s Merdeka Carnival at the Sungai Buloh rest area yesterday.
Through the month-long carnival, PLUS is offering two Suzuki APVs, prizes such as television sets and cash vouchers to customers.
He said the CIDB would also introduce a rating system for all registered contractors — one star for weak contractors, three for moderate and five for excellent.
By Jason Gerald
