Contractor's delay affecting 1,500 military families
Published on: Sat, Jul 19, 2025
By: Amir Anuar Text Size: Ahmad Maslan hopes the RKAT TPK project at Kem Kabota will be completed within the stipulated timeframe. TAWAU: The Works Ministry has decided not to allow any further extension of time (EOT) for the construction of the Additional Multi-Class Armed Forces Family Housing (RKAT TPK) project at Kem Kabota. Its Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan issued the reminder following the second EOT granted to the contractor, with the new completion deadline now set for Oct 31, 2026 — a deadline he said must be strictly followed.
Advertisement 'The contractor and consultants must now focus on solutions instead of excuses,' he said. Speaking to reporters during a site visit and briefing, Ahmad said the delay has forced many army personnel to rent homes outside the camp, with group rentals coordinated by Kem Kabota and the Ministry of Defence. He said the project is critical, as high rental costs are burdening some 1,500 military families currently staying off-base. 'To ease this burden, we support the contractor's suggestion for a temporary Industrialised Building System (IBS) facility to be set up within the camp itself, so that moulding work can be done closer to the construction site. 'At present, the contractor has to source materials from the Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) plant in Kota Kinabalu, which takes about 12 hours in travel time,' he said. Ahmad expressed confidence that the IBS initiative would help reduce both time and costs at the construction site, while ensuring that building materials are delivered safely and promptly. According to a media release, the project is part of the Federal Government's effort to enhance the welfare of defence personnel and their families through the provision of safe, modern, and comfortable housing facilities. The RM97 million project began on May 2, 2023, and has reached 14 per cent physical progress. It is expected to be completed within the stipulated time, cost, and specifications. The project is being implemented conventionally by contractor Erawan Power Sdn Bhd, with the Public Works Department (JKR) acting as the executing agency, while JKR Malaysia's Special Project Team 2 oversees its management and execution. Facilities under the project will include nine blocks of G-class apartments, as well as C1, E, and F-class flats, bungalows and semi-detached houses, a kindergarten and nursery, a multipurpose court, a playground, and a new water tank tower. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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