RTM Bintulu Complex re-tendered, completion set for 2027

BINTULU (March 7): The RM17.77-million construction of the RTM Bintulu Complex has been re-tendered, with an 18-month completion period starting from Feb 4 and scheduled to finish on or before Aug 3 next year.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said contractor Laras Jaya Construction Sdn Bhd has been appointed to take over works from the previous contractor.

She explained that the technical block will be demolished, while construction of the administrative block on the right side will continue until completion.

“There are no changes; it remains according to the original design,” she told a press conference when monitoring early broadcasting infrastructure development under the Department of Broadcasting Malaysia RTM Sarawak here on Friday.

Teo also witnessed the handing over of the Letter of Acceptance (SST) by the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) to three contractors successful in the open tender process for RTM Bintulu Complex, RTM Sri Aman quarters, and RTM Sibu quarters.

The RTM Bintulu Complex project was initially tendered on Sept 30, 2020, with a scheduled completion date of Sept 29, 2022. After a 225-day extension, physical progress had only reached 44.1 per cent.

A Notice of Default was issued on May 25, 2023, followed by a Notice of Termination on Dec 4, 2023.

“Parts of the structure already completed can be resumed, but some sections remain unsafe and must be demolished and rebuilt by the new contractor.

“I hope this project can be completed as soon as possible under the supervision of JKR and the Ministry of Communications,” she said.

Teo added that the project must be carried out properly so that RTM Bintulu staff can occupy a new complex within 18 months.

The other two awarded projects are the RM9.98-million RTM Sri Aman quarters involving Dema Tega Sdn Bhd and the RM8.87-million RTM Sibu quarters involving Crest Engineering Sdn Bhd, which include constructing eight units of Class F and G quarters for RTM staff.

All three projects started on Feb 4, with completion targeted on or before Aug 3, 2027.

Two more projects are in the final stages for open tender in Sarawak: RTM Limbang staff quarters, estimated at RM11.8 million, and an additional building at the Sarawak Information Department headquarters to expand operational space.

“We hope the implementation of these five development projects under the Ministry of Communications in Sarawak demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring quality information delivery and optimal digital broadcasting infrastructure,” she said.

Also present were Sarawak JKR deputy director of building sector Sharifah Liz Farawati Wan Omar, Ministry of Communications development division secretary Maizatusima Judi, and RTM deputy director-general (broadcasting operations) Ismail Sulaiman.