RM2.461 bil to assist Class F contractors

KUALA LUMPUR: A RM2.461 billion allocation has been set aside under the Public Infrastructure Maintenance (PIA) programme for Class F bumiputra contractors, the Dewan Rakyat was told on April 14.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung said the allocation was made for implementation of projects under the PIA programme for five years.

"For implementation of projects under the Basic Infrastructure (PIAS) programme, an allocation of RM2.972 billion has been set aside for four years beginning 2006," he added.

He was responding to a question by Datuk Bung Mohktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) who wanted to know how bumiputra, especially small, medium and Class A contractors, had fared economically.

Chor said projects under PIA and PIAS were not distributed directly to Class F contractors, but through tenders to ensure they remained competitive and help build their capabilities.

Meanwhile, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Yong Khoon Seng said that in 2008, the Class F contractors were given opportunities to bid in 10% of projects costing RM10 million and that it was still being practised.

He said this to a supplementary question by Hamim Samuri (BN-Ledang) who wanted to know how the ministry assist contractors in obtaining jobs and training since registration of Class F was ceased in April last year.

Yong said training programmes for youths were provided by the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) at its six construction academy in Kedah, Terengganu, Selangor, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak. -- Bernama