Dzulkefly mulls axing contract for RM495 mil Petra Jaya Hospital

The health minister says the project may be handed over to the Public Works Department.

Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad is unhappy over the delay in completing the hospital. (Bernama pic)

KUCHING: Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has proposed to terminate the contract to build the Petra Jaya Hospital because he is not confident the project will be completed within the stipulated time frame.

The contract for the RM495 million project in Kuching was awarded to Zecon Bhd. The project started in May 2013 and should have been completed by November 2016.

However, it encountered a delay and the contractor appealed to have the construction period extended until December this year.

Dzulkefly said based on his inspection at the project site, only 34.5% of the construction had been completed.

“Many more work structures are still not ready and I am not confident they will be able to complete this project as promised.

“It is time this problem is dealt with more firmly and thoroughly because the remaining project of RM350 million involves a large amount,” he said during a working visit to the Sarawak General Hospital Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan here today.

Also present were Sarawak Local Government and Housing Minister Dr Sim Kui Hian, Health deputy director-general (Public Health) Dr Azman Abu Bakar, Sarawak Health Department director Dr Jamilah Hashin and Sarawak Heart Centre director Dr Mohd Asri Riffin.

Dzulkefly said he would forward the proposal to the Cabinet and seek a decision from the finance ministry.

“If we reach a consensus, we will hand over this project to the Public Works Department,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zecon’s website stated that the project is expected to be completed in June 30, 2018.

It said the 300-bed hospital project was awarded to Zecon as the turnkey contractor.

“The contractor is to include survey, design and quality assurance in their undertaking and to complete the proposed project in 42 months,” it said. - FMT