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Government flags 50 'sick' projects for urgent monitoring

Published July 16, 2026 at 11:32 PM UTC

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The Malaysian Works Ministry is currently keeping a close watch on 50 infrastructure projects across the country that have been officially classified as "sick." This designation is used by the government to identify construction projects that are significantly behind their original schedules. By flagging these projects, the ministry aims to ensure that implementation gets back on track and that public infrastructure is delivered to the community as intended.

In the context of Malaysian government construction, a project is typically labeled as sick when its physical progress falls more than 20 percent behind the agreed-upon timeline or is delayed by at least two months. These delays can stem from various factors, including contractor performance issues, land acquisition hurdles, or unexpected site conditions. The current list represents a small fraction of the hundreds of ongoing projects managed by the Public Works Department nationwide.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi emphasized that the government is evaluating each case individually to determine the best path forward. For projects that are nearly finished—where only 10 to 15 percent of the work remains—the ministry may grant an extension of time. This approach is often more cost-effective than terminating a contract, which would require the government to restart the procurement process and appoint a new contractor.

However, for projects where progress remains stalled, the government is prepared to take firmer action. This includes terminating underperforming contracts and appointing replacement contractors to complete the work. The ministry is following established Treasury guidelines to manage these transitions, ensuring that public funds are protected and that the impact of delays on the public is minimized.

Moving forward, the government remains committed to transparency and proactive oversight. While the ministry acknowledges the challenges contractors face, such as rising material costs and labor shortages, the primary focus remains on completing these projects to provide the public with necessary facilities. Authorities will continue to monitor these 50 sites to decide whether they can be saved through intervention or if more drastic measures are required.