Less than four percent of JKR projects suffer delays - Nanta

KUCHING, Sept 17: Less than four percent of all projects implemented by the Public Works Department (JKR) experience delays or problems at one time, said Minister for Public Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

He said the figure should be seen in the context of total projects implemented by JKR involving allocation of billions of ringgit as well as thousands of projects across the country.

In this regard, Nanta urged all parties not to be too easily pointing fingers at JKR in case of a project being delayed, given that there are various factors that can affect its implementation.

"That is why I urge all parties not to point your finger too easily and say something project delayed because of JKR. JKR is carrying out the project, but we also rely on cooperation from other parties.

"All parties should work together to ensure that the project is not delayed or becomes a sick project, instead it can be completed on schedule", he said.

He said this at a press conference after the Consolidation Meeting of the Customs Enforcement Office Stores Construction Project, here today.

Nanta said the Ministry of Public Works (KKR) however will not compromise on delays and aims to reduce the number of sick projects to zero.

He also emphasized that the implementation of the project according to the stipulated deadline is an existing standard for KKR, while early completion or 'ahead of time' (AOT) is better if it can be achieved.

"It is our standard from the very beginning to complete all the projects that we implement in a timely manner. On time or "On time". The initial project was better, 'ahead of time,'" he said.

Earlier in his inaugural address, Nanta announced that up to September 2026, 112 projects involving various agencies with total allocation of about RM12 billion are being implemented through JKR Malaysia as the government's main technical agency.

Of these, 30 projects have been completed, 38 are under construction, 41 projects are in pre-construction phase while three projects are at initial government level.

Reviewing the project Stor Rampasan of Kuching Customs Enforcement Office, he said that the project was successfully completed even through a re-tender process.

He said the Certificate of Ready to Work or Certificate of Practical Completion (CPC) for the project was issued on 26 May 2026 and is now ready for use by Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM).

"Although this is a re-tender, it was finally finished with the best and equipped with the perfect facilities for use by Royal Malaysian Customs Department in Kuching", he said.

Nanta said the success of the project is a result of cooperation between KKR, JKR Malaysia, JKDM and the Ministry of Finance in ensuring that the project is implemented from the quality, safety, cost and timing aspects.

He also reminded contractors to carry out their responsibilities throughout the Defect Liability Period (DLP), including taking action against any identified defects.

He hoped that the facility could be fully utilized to package the management of loot as well as enhance JKDM enforcement capacity in Sarawak. - TVS