04-05-2025
‘Get it done or get out!' order
Published on: Monday, May 05, 2025
Published on: Mon, May 05, 2025
By: Amir Anuar Text Size: Khaled at the construction site of the RKAT. TAWAU: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin warned contractors involved in projects at army camps to 'Get it done or get out!' He said the Ministry would not hesitate to terminate those unable to complete their projects. 'If they fail, we'll terminate the project (contractor services). Just yesterday (Saturday at the Joint Task Force Headquarters 2 – MKATB 2, Kukusan Camp), we terminated a contractor,' he said. Khaled was referring to delays in the construction of a 144-unit Armed Forces Family Housing (RKAT) project at Kukusan Camp, which received RM77 million in funding and was originally scheduled for completion in July 2024 after starting in September 2021. Khaled was on a working visit to the 7th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) at Kubota Camp, Sunday. Present was Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan. Khaled said such issues present challenges, particularly in terms of project delays and increased costs, but insisted the project must proceed for the benefit of military personnel. 'When we open for a new tender, we face further delays and rising costs, and we're forced to use funds that were meant for other priorities. 'That's why we're not pleased when a project fails or stalls, because it brings about numerous problems – especially longer completion times and higher construction costs,' he said. On another project, he said the RM99 million RKAT-Multi-Purpose Extension project at Kubota Camp is scheduled for completion in September 2026. Khaled said the Ministry would closely monitor the project, as it is considered highly important, and hoped that it would be completed on schedule with support from the Public Works Department (JKR) and contractor assurances. 'This working visit is important to assess all developments approved by the government, particularly those related to the welfare of our armed forces, and ensure they are completed as planned. This (RKAT) project is vital to ensure our military personnel have decent and appropriate housing to grow and raise their families successfully. 'If it's not completed, our personnel will be forced to rent housing outside the camp, which exposes us to all sorts of challenges and issues.' On the maintenance of army camp housing, Khaled said it is allocated RM400 million annually since 2023 and significantly higher compared to previous administrations, which provided no more than RM100m. 'This year, Kubota Camp has been allocated RM1 million for maintenance work on existing houses to ensure the comfort of military families,' he said. Regarding the welfare and economic development of military personnel, Khaled said the Ministry is preparing to implement the Madani Outreach Camp Program (PKSM), sponsored by the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT), with a budget of RM500,000 across five selected military camps nationwide. As part of this programme, the hall at Kubota Camp would be upgraded. He said the camp has also been selected for a stingless bee (kelulut) honey farming project involving military spouses alongside their husbands. Khaled also revealed intention to replace the Pangkalan Laut Tun Sharifah Rodziah, which will be 10 years old next year. Among the ministry's proposals he said is to acquire a new, more mobile Forward Operating Base capable of accommodating helicopters with loads exceeding six tons. Additionally, he said the Ministry of Defence has reportedly just received four new Coastal Surveillance System (CSS) radar units to be installed along the East Coast of Sabah. * 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.
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