Kuching: The increasing presence of contractors and companies from China in Sarawak’s construction sector is creating stiff competition and threatening the survival of local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Padungan Assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen said.
He highlighted that in recent years, the State Government has awarded numerous major infrastructure projects, including bridges, roads, dams, and electricity transmission lines, to companies from China.
“These companies reportedly bring in foreign workers, equipment, and building materials, often leaving local contractors and suppliers sidelined from government projects and allocations,” he said during his debate on the State Budget 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), today.
Chong also raised concerns that some foreign contractors have allegedly flouted local laws and regulations, citing examples such as trucks used in the ART project without proper permits from Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP), hoardings that do not meet CIDB standards, and imported personal protective equipment (PPE) from China that fails to comply with Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) requirements.
He called on JKR and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) to investigate and verify these complaints and urged the government to enforce uniform regulations on all contractors, regardless of origin.
Chong, who is also DAP Sarawak Chairman and Stampin MP, also emphasised the importance of prioritising local participation and sourcing from SMEs in all government procurement projects.
“The government must ensure that local contractors and businesses are given fair opportunities to participate in state development projects,” Chong said.
