Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for the implementation of contractor screening in Malaysia to ensure that only genuinely active contractors are recognised in the construction industry.
Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the measure is aimed at preventing unhealthy competition that could threaten the sustainability of legitimate industry players.
“This screening must be implemented. Otherwise, we will continue competing against one another. While some competition is healthy, much of it is not,” he said in a speech during a dinner held in conjunction with the opening of the 46th Annual General Meeting of the Malaysian Malay Contractors Association (PKMM) yesterday.
Also in attendance were Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan and PKMM president Datuk Mohd Rosdi Ab Aziz.
Zahid added that trust in the ministry and the existing system is crucial to ensure the smooth execution of development projects. He also addressed the issue of project delays, stressing that contractors should not be solely blamed, particularly when delays in payment occur.
“There may be around five to seven per cent of cases caused by contractor errors, but how can contractors be expected to continue work if the funds due to them are not paid?” he said.
Meanwhile, PKMM president Mohd Rosdi said the proposed screening mechanism is expected to identify most individuals involved in cartel activities, which have negatively impacted the construction sector.
