More work for Malaysia’s ethnic contractors

The bumiputera, or bumiputra, contractors will be offered more contracts in Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan and Peninsular Malaysia after years of delayed projects.
By David Arminas May 31, 2024 Read time: 1 min
A boost for the bumiputeras (image © Aisyaqilumar/Dreamstime)

Around US$67.6 million has been set aside by the government of Malaysia to award small-scale Bumiputera contractors with federal road maintenance projects in 2024.

Bumiputera or bumiputra is a term used in Malaysia to describe Malays, the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia and various indigenous peoples of Eastern Malaysia.

According to a report in the New Straits Times, the contractors will be offered the works through a balloting process, said Alexander Nanta Linggi. Malaysia’s works minister.

Out of the total, 122 projects in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan will receive $21.25 million and rest will be earmarked for 336 projects in Peninsular Malaysia.

Last December, the New Straits Times reported that at least 70% or 90,000 out of 140,000 Bumiputera contractors nationwide were in financial difficulty because of fewer government projects. The contractors reportedly said fewer tenders were being opened, a result of years of government changes which led to some projects being delayed or cancelled outright. 

Highway & Network Management

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