Taiping: Only 44 projects, or 5.2 percent, of the 851 government projects currently under construction are categorized as sick projects, according to Deputy Minister of Works Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan. He highlighted the challenges faced by contractors, particularly in terms of scheduling, planning, and cash flow, as primary reasons for delays.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, of the total projects, 241, or 28 percent, are at the early stages of their schedule, while 213 projects, or 25 percent, are on schedule. Ahmad Maslan expressed hope that the sick projects could be restored, mentioning that there might be one or two projects that will need termination to be taken over by rescue contractors, potentially with an extension of time.

The statement was made during a Visit and Monitoring Meeting Number 2 2026 of the Ministry's Public Infrastructure Projects at the Logistics and Sterile Pharmacy Store Building of Taiping Hospital. Ahmad Maslan noted that the Ministry of Education has the highest number of sick projects at 14, followed by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development with 8, the Ministry of Home Affairs with 5, and the Ministry of Defence with 4.

The total value of the projects under construction is RM49.5 billion, while 351 projects worth RM15.48 billion have been completed and are now in the defect liability period. Ahmad Maslan emphasized the importance of close monitoring by the Public Works Department (JKR) to ensure project progress.

He cited an example where a project's sick status was resolved after the relocation of six electricity poles owned by Sabah Electricity, illustrating that some issues might not be as severe as initially perceived. He further identified eight projects that may need contract termination and replacement with new contractors to ensure continued implementation.