Sim Tze Tzin, the incoming MP for Bayan Baru, was unhappy with the quality of the work on the project, carried out near the Universiti Sains Malaysia campus in Sungai Dua.
He had initiated the flood mitigation project following massive flooding in August 2013, believed to have been caused by leakage from a retention pond in the campus grounds.
“The project started in August 2015 and was supposed to have been completed 18 months later but the contractor ran into a lot of problems and work was eventually completed in April this year.
An arch bridge and other related works were completed but Sim was unhappy the work took so long. “I am not happy with the workmanship, the cost went from RM3 million to RM5.2 million, and there was a lack of response to residents’ complaints.
Speaking after a site visit, he proposed that the contractor be blacklisted “if the contractor does not resolve the outstanding issues”.
Also on the site visit were Zairil Khir Johari, state executive councillor for works, utilities and flood mitigation, and incoming Batu Uban assemblyman A Kumaresan.
Sim said the new government wanted all contractors to do their job properly and stick to deadlines. “If you don’t do your job properly, we will blacklist you. You must deliver quality work.”
Zairil said a second phase of the project, to cost RM8.5 million, was being reviewed. It would involve widening and deepening Sungai Dua.
Storm-hit Penang reels from floods, landslides, fallen trees