Call for greater access in projects for non-Bumiputera contractors
Ting (centre) highlights a point during the association's recent AGM.
SIBU (May 21): The Sarawak Sibu Division Building and Civil Engineering Contractors' Association is urging both federal and state governments to address the challenges faced by non-Bumiputera small and medium-sized construction contractors by opening up more government projects for their participation.
Speaking at the association's annual general meeting (AGM) here recently, its chairman Ting Teck Kai appealed for more access to construction projects, particularly small to medium-sized ones that are free from ethnic-based allocations.
'Most projects valued below RM20 million are currently awarded predominantly to Bumiputera companies, leaving non-Bumiputera contractors with only a minor share,' he added.
Ting said non-Bumiputera contractors aspire to be principal contractors for small and medium-scale projects, claiming that despite their significant contributions to national development, they are often 'relegated' to subcontracting roles.
'In many cases, although government officers are aware that non-Bumiputera contractors are the ones executing the projects, they are not formally recognised as the principal project holders.
'This lack of recognition limits their visibility and standing within the industry,' he explained.
Ting added that during project meetings, non-Bumiputera contractors are not recognised as the main contractors, even though they are managing and executing the construction.
'This lack of formal recognition places them in an awkward and disadvantageous position,' he said.
He highlighted that government contracts are the backbone of the construction industry, yet existing policies remain unfriendly and inequitable towards non-Bumiputera firms.
'All we want is the chance to survive. We hope for fair access to small and medium-scale projects.'
As such, he urged the government to allocate more projects that allow open and fair competition as well as free from racial distinctions, as the association is predominantly composed of such contractors.
Also present at the meeting was the association's advisor Siek King Kwong.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Focus Malaysia
8 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Expanded SST framework to take effect from 1 July 2025
THE Ministry of Finance (MOF) has announced that the implementation of the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) will take effect on 1 July 2025. Under the revised framework, a sales tax of 5% to 10% will be applied to selected non-essential items. Concurrently, the service tax (6% or 8%) will be broadened to cover additional service categories, including rental or leasing, construction, financial services, private healthcare, private education and beauty services. 'The government has expanded the scope of SST to strengthen the fiscal position by increasing and broadening the revenue base,' said Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB). A portion of the additional revenue will be redirected towards enhancing public services, while also creating fiscal space. This effort is aligned with the government's commitment to implementing a more targeted and progressive SST framework that minimises the burden on general public. To support a progressive and targeted approach, the government has structured the SST into two tiers (5%, 10%) based on the nature of necessity. Essential goods such as bread, cooking oil, milk, and medicine will remain exempted from tax. Instead, high value or premium products such as imported seafood (salmon, cod fish) and industrial machinery will be subject to SST. The expansion also targets specific services predominantly consumed by higher-income groups or non-residents. These include selected banking services, private healthcare for foreigners and private education where annual fees exceed RM60k. To minimise the impact, the government has introduced several reliefs and facilitative measures. Notably, key exemptions have been granted to business-to-business (B2B) transactions and group relief arrangements. Additionally, construction services, leasing and rental of residential buildings are also exempted. Rather than reintroducing the GST at 6% with an uplift of RM20 bil in revenue, the government has opted to enhance the SST, as it can be implemented quicker. The impact on inflation is expected to be limited, given the targeted nature of the SST adjustments, which primarily apply to non-essential items typically consumed by higher-income households. According to MOF, the consumer price index is projected to remain within the forecast range of 2.0-3.5%. The expanded SST highlights the government's commitment to fiscal consolidation, with the 2025 fiscal deficit target maintained at 3.8% of GDP (2024: -4.3% of GDP). The government also intends to rationalise the RON95 through a more efficient and targeted subsidy framework. While details are still being finalised, concerns remain over its complexity. Nonetheless, the government is committed to protecting at least 85-90% of household from significant price increase. —June 10, 2025 Main image: CompareHero
Malaysian Reserve
14 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
INVESTIGATION ALERT: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Announces an Investigation of Compass Diversified Holdings (NYSE: CODI) and Encourages Investors with Substantial Losses to Contact the Firm
NEWTOWN, Pa., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating potential violations of the federal securities laws involving Compass Diversified Holdings ('Compass') (NYSE: CODI), resulting from allegations of providing potentially misleading business information to the investing public. If you have non-public information that could assist in the Compass investigation, or if you are a Compass investor who suffered a loss and would like to learn more, you can provide your information HERE. You can also contact attorney Eric Lechtzin of Edelson Lechtzin LLP by calling 844-563-5550 or via e-mail at elechtzin@ THE COMPANY: Compass is a publicly traded investment company that acquires and manages businesses across various industries, including Lugano Holdings, Inc. ('Lugano'), which designs, manufactures, and markets luxury jewelry. THE ALLEGED WRONGDOING: On May 7, 2025, Compass issued a press release disclosing an ongoing internal investigation into Lugano's financial statements for fiscal year 2024. The company revealed that the investigation found 'irregularities in Lugano's [non-Compass] financing, accounting, and inventory practices' and that Lugano founder and CEO Moti Ferder resigned after disclosure of the preliminary findings. Following the press release, the price of Compass stock fell $10.70 per share, or approximately 62%, to close at $6.55 per share on May 8, 2025. ABOUT EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP: Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to cases involving securities and investment fraud, our lawyers focus on cases alleging violations of the federal antitrust laws, employee benefit plans under ERISA, wage theft, data security, and consumer fraud. For more information, please contact: Marc H. Edelson, Lechtzin, LECHTZIN LLP411 S. State Street, Suite N-300Newtown, PA 18940Phone: 844-696-7492 or 215-867-2399 ext. 1Email: medelson@ Email: elechtzin@ Web: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. No class has been certified in this case, so you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. Your ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
The Sun
15 hours ago
- The Sun
‘Impact of Petronas layoffs could be significant'
PETALING JAYA: Petronas announced last week a phased reduction of over 5,000 jobs over the next twelve months, sparking concerns over regional employment stability, economic resilience and investor confidence in the country's crucial oil and gas sector. Although most of those affected will be contract staff, experts caution that the economic ripple of the layoffs could be significant, impacting not only workers but also communities and industries tied to Petronas operations. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan entrepreneurship and business professor Datuk Dr Nik Maheran Nik Muhammad said the immediate consequence would be a rise in unemployment, particularly in areas where Petronas has a strong operational presence. 'In the long run, continued downsizing and automation may lead to underemployment and skills mismatch in the sector.' Nik Maheran also said with the abrupt displacement of contract workers, the gig and freelance economy is expected to see an uptick. 'Many may turn to ride-hailing services, digital platforms or small-scale entrepreneurship to sustain themselves.' She added that while these roles offer flexibility, they often come with limited income security and little to no social protection. She said although permanent positions remain intact for now, uncertainty is growing within the organisation. 'Morale could drop and highly skilled professionals might begin seeking opportunities abroad or shifting to other industries unless leadership provides clear reassurance.' Nik Maheran said given the extensive links of Petronas to local vendors, logistics providers and support services, the impact of the layoffs would not be confined to the company alone. She said SMEs that rely on Petronas contracts, support staff such as canteen workers and cleaners as well as Bumiputera entrepreneurs who constitute a significant portion of its vendor network, may be disproportionately affected. She pointed out that the hardest-hit regions are expected to be Kerteh (Terengganu), Miri and Bintulu (Sarawak), and Pengerang (Johor), areas where Petronas has a strong economic footprint. 'Households dependent on Petronas-related income may reduce spending, which could trigger declines in retail, real estate and other local business revenues. 'Reskilling initiatives through HRD Corp and TVET programmes may need to be accelerated.' She stressed that the issue goes beyond numbers. 'These job cuts aren't just statistics, they represent families and communities. It's time for government, industry and society to work together to build a more resilient and inclusive economy.' Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia human resource management assoc prof Dr Abdul Rahim Zumrah emphasised the importance of clear and empathetic communication during such periods of uncertainty. 'Companies should hold assemblies or town halls to explain the reasons behind the layoffs, backed by data and long-term plans. When employees understand the rationale, it helps maintain morale and trust. 'Management should create space for employees to voice concerns and receive honest answers. This helps reduce anxiety and prevent speculation. 'Recognition, through formal letters or public appreciation, goes a long way. Companies should also consider former contract workers for future roles.' He said laid-off workers still hold valuable potential. 'Many have solid industry experience. With support from agencies like Mara and the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund, they could transition into roles as consultants, trainers or entrepreneurs.' Abdul Rahim said staff reductions could become unavoidable in times of crisis – whether economic, political or due to currency fluctuations. 'It's natural to seek job security, but we also need resilience and realism, both from employers and employees.' Petronas on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to employee welfare amid a restructuring that would cut around 10% of its workforce, offering competitive separation packages. The company said a comprehensive transition programme is in place to support affected staff, ensuring fair, respectful and professional decisions.
