THE government is monitoring 92 problematic projects nationwide – those that are delayed beyond two months or 20% of their completion dates.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Mustapa Mohamed said these projects are being monitored by the Implementation Coordination Unit of Prime Minister’s Department.

He said among the main causes identified are delays in the completion by the project contractors and consultants and issues in implementation such as coordination problems between clients, implementing agencies and third parties. 

“The Education Ministry has the highest number of such projects, at 22, compared with other ministries,” he told reporters after attending the launching ceremony of the Bukit Bunga bypass project in Bukit Bunga, Jeli today.

“As for states, Sabah has the highest number of ‘sick’ projects, at 16.”

Mustapa said the government has taken appropriate steps to strengthen the criteria for selecting and appointing contractors and consultants, in addition to boosting the skills of civil servants in managing national development projects.

“We (government) view seriously issues on coordination in implementing projects and wish to stress that all stakeholders must move in concert in a planned and integrated manner,” he said.

“This is important to ensure the targets of national development projects can be achieved.”

Currently, he said, the 12th Malaysia Plan Highest Monitoring Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, is closely monitoring all projects under the plan to ensure that they are implemented according to schedule, thus contribute to national economic growth. – Bernama, February 12, 2022.