KUCHING: The state government has allocated 43 percent of its state projects to Bumiputera contractors for work values exceeding RM100,000.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said projects awarded to Bumiputera contractors so far have amounted to a total work value of RM1.37 billion.
“We have implemented a programme called the Competitive Contractors Development Programme with the objective to develop genuine and competitive Bumiputera contractors in Sarawak.
“Through the programme, we also aim to increase at least 30 percent of Bumiputera contractor’s participation in government contracts and promote healthy competition among selected Bumiputera contractors,” he said.
He said this in his text speech read out by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OUCCI) Gala Night 2023 at Riverside Majestic Hotel here last night (Dec 1).
Abang Johari said apart from these programmes, his administration will continue implementing various contractor and entrepreneur development initiatives.
“These includes programmes such as the Program Peningkatan Usahawan Bumiputera (PUTERA), Program Skim Pembiayaan Kontraktor Kecil Bumiputera (SPKB), Program Pembangunan Vendor Perabot Bumiputera, Program Pusat Inkubator dan Bimbingan Usahawan (PIBU) and Capacity Building Programme for Bumiputera contractors and
Suppliers.
“It is our hope that we will be able to increase the participation of Bumiputera contractors including OUCCI members in government projects,” he added.
He said as Sarawak strives to achieve its net-zero carbon region goal by 2050, new business opportunities emerge. Abang Johari urged OUCCI to be the driving force behind innovative business practices and to engage in new ventures for the future.
“Expand your networks, work with other chambers, not only in Sarawak but also in other countries, where environment, sustainable goals, and hydrogen energy, sustainable aviation fuel, solar energy and new energy sources are becoming the norm.
“Continue to explore the world and equip your members with the right knowledge so we can all be part of the journey to become a high income region by 2030,” he added.
The event also marked the launch of Wanita OUCCI, led by Lohong Tajang, with the committee organising training programmes for women in Belaga, Bario, Miri, and Tubau to produce handicrafts.
