Public Works Ministry to clamp down on delayed projects and negligent contractors

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the need for the Ministry of Public Works (KKR) to adopt a firm stance against contractors who neglect their duties or fail to complete projects within the prescribed timelines.

Speaking at the Ministry’s monthly assembly, Anwar highlighted the direct consequences that delayed projects can have on citizens who rely on public infrastructure.

"We must always strive to accelerate progress because, for example, if someone needs a bridge completed in January but it is delayed until February, they suffer for a month… if delayed six more months, they endure hardship, and if ten months, it becomes a serious burden," he said, highlighting the human impact of delayed infrastructure projects.

Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, emphasised that the Ministry of Public Works oversees numerous projects critical to national development and public welfare.

He urged the Ministry to keep comprehensive records of all ongoing projects and stressed that oversight should not wait until completion.

"Many of these infrastructure projects form the backbone of KKR; if they succeed, development succeeds… so the Ministry must list all projects, whether hundreds or possibly thousands nationwide… ensure their performance is recorded, do not wait until completion… if contractors are negligent or slow, we must take a firmer stance," he said.

He called on officials to monitor projects closely and act swiftly to remove any obstacles that could cause delays, particularly those managed at the state level.

Anwar highlighted the Kampung Angkat Sejati MADANI programme as an example of fostering direct engagement between government officials and local communities to ensure projects meet citizens’ needs.

"Monitor continuously and at scale… look at projects managed at the state level to ensure they are implemented on schedule… sometimes, officers on the ground know best what is required," he said.

Citing Sabah as a case in point, the Prime Minister acknowledged public frustrations over delays in essential infrastructure such as water, electricity, and roads, despite record development budgets allocated for the state.

"We have approved the largest funding in history, with total development and operational expenditure for Sabah at RM17 billion, nearly RM1 billion for water, RM1.2 billion for electricity, yet these are still unfinished… we must understand their hardships; until completion, they feel left behind," he said.

Anwar stressed that negligent contractors and anyone responsible for delays must face strict penalties to ensure the timely completion of essential public works.

He also highlighted that Malaysia’s current political stability provides an opportunity to implement clear, well-planned programmes that benefit citizens, stimulate economic growth, reduce unemployment, and attract unprecedented levels of investment.

"Do not wait until completion. We must adopt a firmer stance against contractors who are negligent and slow to ensure projects are delivered on schedule," the Prime Minister said, reiterating the government’s commitment to accountability and efficient infrastructure delivery. - December 8, 2025