KOTA KINABALU: Contractors risk being blacklisted by the Sabah government for failing to deliver Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) on time.

       Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the government would not compromise unnecessary delays as it would give the government a bad name.

       Speaking at the handing over of keys ceremony to recipients of Rumah Mesra SMJ at Kampung Merungin 2 in Kundasang on Friday (April 12), Gunsalam however said the government would investigate reasons for a delay before blacklisting.

       “We will look at the cause of the delay, whether due to weather or remote locations. If this is the case, then special allowances will be given,” said the state Housing and Local Government Minister.

       Gunsalam, who is also the Kundasang assemblyman, added that the houses would be built in all 73 state constituencies in Sabah, which was an initiative of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led government, and to date some 1,500 units have been completed.

       The district officers, municipal council presidents and city council mayors have been entrusted to identify the eligible recipients.

       In another development, Gunsalam said that Ranau was ready to host the launching of the state’s biggest month-long cultural event, dubbed Tadau Kaamatan (Harvest Festival), on May 1.

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       He said both the government agencies and cultural bodies such as the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), United Sabah Dusun Association (USDA) and others will be working together closely to ensure the smooth running of the event.