JKR Sarawak to form contract services and legal arm unit, says director

KUCHING (July 19): The Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) will be establishing a Contract Services and Legal Arm unit, said its director Dr Cassidy Morris.

According to him, the formation of this unit is meant to be a strategic response to the increasingly litigious nature of the local construction industry.

“The state government has agreed to formally set up this unit, which will include legal professionals to assist with legal matters.

“While JKR Sarawak currently has basic legal resources, the new unit aims to build a more comprehensive team to handle legal issues effectively before reporting to other authorities,” he said at the inaugural Borneo Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Week 2024 at the Sheraton Kuching Hotel here today.

He added the specialised team will provide legal and contractual support to manage the complexities and disputes in infrastructure projects overseen by the regional government.

Cassidy also noted JKR Sarawak was entrusted last year by the federal government to implement more projects, underscoring the need for an enhanced legal unit.

“For rural projects exceeding RM50 million under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), the prerogative lies with KKDW to assign these projects to JKR Sarawak without referring them to Federal Technical Departments first.

“This approach leverages JKR Sarawak’s local expertise and familiarity with site conditions, allowing more effective interactions with local residents and expediting project implementation,” he added.

Cassidy additionally announced that JKR Sarawak is currently drafting new design and build conditions of contract and conditions of sub-contract for nominated sub-contractors (NSC).

“These new conditions are designed to streamline and standardise contractual frameworks for design and build projects and nominated sub-contracting arrangements in Sarawak.

“They aim to improve project execution, minimise risks and optimise resource allocation.

“These structured frameworks are intended to enhance project delivery timelines and support sustainable infrastructure development in the region,” he said.

Also present were former chief justice of Malaysia and Legal Plus chairman Tan Sri James Foong, L2 i-CON International director Cindy Wong, along with High Court Judge Kuching Dato Dr Alwi Abdul Wahab, representing Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Dato Abdul Rahman Sebli.