
Kuskop introduces financing schemes to aid Bumiputera contractors
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 Text Size: Ewon poses for a wefie with attendees. KOTA KINABALU: The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (Kuskop) is offering the Kontrak-I programme and the Contractors Trust Fund Scheme (SKWAK) to support Bumiputera contractors awarded government tenders. Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said both initiatives aim to ease cash flow burdens and are part of the government's commitment to empower Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
Advertisement He explained that SKWAK provides interest-free, collateral-free advances of up to 25 per cent of project value to G1–G5 contractors undertaking federal projects from JKR and JPS. Under Tekun Kontrak-I, contractors can also access financing without guarantors or deposits, with RM500 million allocated for 2025 and RM11.4 million already approved for 178 Sabah-based contractors as of March 31. Ewon announced this while officiating the Contractor Capacity Development Seminar attended by 300 participants, organised by the Contractor Service Centre under Kuskop. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Express
an hour ago
- Daily Express
Nearly RM800m allocated for water supply projects to address monsoon impact
Published on: Sunday, June 08, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 08, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: For illustrative purposes only. KUCHING: The Federal Government has allocated RM796.4 million in loans to state governments this year to finance various water supply projects. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the projects are among the government's initiatives to mitigate the impact of the Southwest Monsoon, which is expected to bring dry weather and potential drought. Advertisement Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said as of May this year, 28 projects under this initiative are currently underway. Of the total, 12 are in Sabah, two in Kedah and Perlis, one in Kelantan, three in Pahang and Terengganu and five in Sarawak. 'These projects are at various stages of completion. Some are under implementation and seven are expected to be completed this year,' he told reporters after attending the Aidiladha qurban (sacrificial ritual) programme at Kampung Tupong Jaya, here today. At the same time, Fadillah said his ministry is now focusing on resolving the issue of non-revenue water (NRW). Advertisement He said NRW is caused by various factors, including system inefficiencies, pipe leakages and water theft. 'When pipe connections are poorly installed, leakages happen. There are also old pipes that have started leaking. Overall, we estimate that the country loses 40 per cent of its treated water. This incurs high costs. 'Therefore, our current priority is to identify methods to reassess the piping systems and replace damaged pipes,' he said. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


Daily Express
2 hours ago
- Daily Express
Upgrading of Taman Tun Fuad: Delay once again draws ire
Published on: Sunday, June 08, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 08, 2025 Text Size: Datuk Philip Yong (left). Taman Tun Fuad which is being upgraded at a cost of RM20 million. Kota Kinabalu: The reopening of the long-delayed Taman Tun Fuad in Bukit Padang has been postponed once again, drawing criticism from City Hall (DBKK) advisor Datuk Philip Yong, who described the lack of progress in upgrading works as 'deeply disappointing'. The RM20 million project, fully funded by the federal Pakatan Harapan government, has kept the popular recreational park closed since Dec 10, 2022. Advertisement Initially scheduled for completion by Sept 18, 2024, the reopening date has now been pushed to July 14, 2025, marking the third delay. 'Taman Tun Fuad is a vital public space for daily exercise and recreation, used by over a thousand people every day,' said Yong, a former Member of Parliament for Kota Kinabalu (Gaya), in a statement, Saturday. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


Daily Express
2 hours ago
- Daily Express
Benny is new Acem Sabah head
Published on: Sunday, June 08, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 08, 2025 Text Size: The new line-up posing for a photo. Kota Kinabalu: Benny Song was elected new Chairman of Malaysia Association of Consulting Engineers (Acem Sabah) succeeding Datuk Chin Shu Ying. The new committee includes Wah Kheng Haw as Deputy Chairman and Datuk Dr Amarjit Singh as Honorary Secretary. Advertisement The new leadership team also includes seasoned professionals from various engineering disciplines such as Kenny Lo (Honorary Treasurer), while the executive committee comprises Tang Koh Yon, Mohd. Arzahri AR, Hiew Vun Heng, Silvia Voon and James Leong. In his farewell address, Chin spoke about the consulting engineering sector, identifying eight major issues threatening the profession's future. 'Consulting engineers play an important role in shaping Malaysia's infrastructure, economy and future. 'However, we face unprecedented challenges that require immediate attention,' he said. The most pressing concern, according to Chin, is fee undercutting that undermines professional standards. Advertisement 'Unfair competition is eroding the integrity and quality of our work,' he said. The industry is also grappling with a talent crisis, as experienced engineers leave for better opportunities abroad while universities struggle to produce job-ready graduates. This brain drain coincides with bureaucratic bottlenecks that delay project approvals and increase costs. Rising legal liability represents another significant challenge, with engineers facing increasingly unfavourable contract terms. Chin advocated for mandatory professional indemnity insurance and fairer agreements between consultants and clients. The sector's slow adoption of modern technology also emerged as a key concern. 'We must embrace artificial intelligence, Building Information Modeling, Internet of Things and other digital tools to remain competitive,' he said. Environmental pressures are mounting as well, with engineers expected to lead Malaysia's transition toward sustainable development and carbon reduction while addressing climate change impacts. Perhaps most critically, Chin said was the profession's limited influence in national policymaking despite engineers' crucial role in development planning. He called for greater representation in government decision-making processes. 'We suffer from fragmentation and lack of collaboration,' he said, urging stronger partnerships between firms and enhanced knowledge-sharing across the industry. He challenged his successors and the broader engineering community to unite in upholding the dignity of the profession, champion value-based practices, mentor the next generation and embrace innovation. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia