Federal projects: State proposes 12 enhancement measures

KUCHING: The Sarawak government has submitted 12 proposals, including allocating funds directly to the state and applying its procurement procedures and project implementation protocols, for consideration by the federal government under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this would ensure federal development projects in Sarawak proceed smoothly.

“We are also calling for an expedited signing process for loan project agreements to facilitate claims and disbursements, and for logistics and project management costs, especially in remote areas, to be factored into approved budgets,” he said.

He said this in his speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah during the Stakeholder Engagement Session for the 13th Malaysia Plan held at Pullman Hotel here yesterday (Oct 30).

Abang Johari called for a more holistic approach to calculating project base costs, considering factors such as logistics, topography, and the scattered nature of rural communities.

He also proposed faster implementation of Value Management for federal projects valued at over RM70 million, along with a streamlined approval process for project amendments (NOC).

To accelerate infrastructure projects, he recommended allowing Sarawak government agencies to use Front-End Engineering (FEE) funds for preliminary work on new and upgraded projects, including roads, bridges, and rural water and electricity supplies, with reimbursement provided once these projects are listed in the next Rolling Plan.

Additionally, he called for the return of unoccupied and undeveloped lands owned by the Federal Land Commissioner (PTP) to the Sarawak government.

“Lands acquired or owned at no cost should be returned free of charge, while lands acquired at a cost by the federal government will be returned at the same cost,” he added.

Abang Johari suggested the establishment of a Federal Land Acquisition Trust Fund (FLATF) to cover land acquisition costs for federal projects, similar to Sarawak’s Special Land Acquisition Trust Fund (SLATF), which has effectively expedited local land acquisition processes.

“FLATF would help expedite the land acquisition process as done by the Sarawak government using the SLATF,” he said.

He recommended market controls on construction materials to prevent excessive cost hikes that impact both public and private projects.

He also proposed that federal loans be converted into development grants, simplifying the administration of federal loan agreements.

Finally, he requested official recognition of the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) as a Technical Department to oversee rural water supply projects directly.