Only one RM5m development project discontinued — Economic Affairs Ministry

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 6): Only one development project allocated RM5 million has been discontinued, while 278 projects allocated RM1.77 billion have been suspended, said the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

While it did not disclose the name or nature of the discontinued and suspended projects, it said a total of 4,946 projects have been approved under the government's development expenditure for 2018.

In a written reply dated Aug 1 to Pontian Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan that was made available to media today, the ministry said the projects involved have not yet begun as the letter of acceptance (SST) had not been issued.

Ahmad Maslan asked what are the government projects that have been announced but cancelled or suspended, and their economic impact.

"The deferment of these projects should be taken to enable the new government to resolve any finance issues that has been left by the previous administration," it said.

It added that only projects that have not been issued SST have been cancelled or suspended.

"Therefore, this postponement order does not affect job opportunities, and the economic impact of the construction materials chain is at the minimum level," it said.

Projects that continue to be implemented are projects that provide direct benefits to the people such as roads, bridges, water supply, electricity supply, security, hospitality, schools, synagogues and so on.

However, their implementation is subject to the government's future monetary policy and position.

Mega projects such as High Speed Rail (HSR), East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Multi Product Pipeline (MPP) and Trans Sabah Gas Pipeline (TSGP) are also being reviewed it said. — theedgemarkets.com

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