JOHOR BARU: The state government will be awarding road maintenance projects totalling RM44.4mil to contractors registered under the Johor Centre for Construction Development (JCCD) in efforts to create more job opportunities for the people.

       Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad said the initiative, under JCCD’s Work-Sharing Programme, would enable the state’s contractors to get involved in the maintenance and construction of roads in Johor.

       There are 396 of such packages worth a total of about RM44.4mil available under this programme and the process is done through balloting, he said.

       “We understand that the pandemic has resulted in many people losing their jobs and this initiative is set to create more job opportunities in Johor.

       “We are also committed to ensuring that the construction industry continues to thrive and give exposure to the locals instead of just relying on foreign labour,” he said after attending a virtual balloting session for road maintenance projects on Monday (Aug 9).

       During the session, Hasni also launched the Work-Sharing Programme.

       He added that the programme was divided into four phases where the first would cover areas in Johor Baru and the other districts will follow in the following phases.

       He said the state government through its subsidiary JCCD also introduced a one-time daily work scheme as part of the programme to help individuals who were affected by the pandemic.

       “This programme is also set to give a positive impact to Johor, especially to G1 and G2 contractors, suppliers and residents in our efforts to restart the state’s economy.

       “The state will also continue to ensure that more contractors in Johor remain highly-competent in terms of technical abilities, financial management and work experience so that the industry can keep producing more capable contractors in various fields,” he said.