KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 (Bernama) — A government backbencher today proposed that the government divide mega projects into smaller ones to widen their multiplying effects.

Ahmad Maslan (BN-Pontian) said for instance, a RM100 million project should be divided into 10 projects of RM10 million each.

“This will create multiplying effects on the economy. The Public Works Department should also set a cost-effective development, with profit ceiling of only between 10 and 20 per cent for each contractor,” he said when debating the Supplementary Supply Bill 2009 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He also called on the ministries to draw up work schedule to ensure smooth implementation of projects.

“There are bound to be problems if projects are implemented in a haphazard manner in the name of completing them on time. This is definitely not beneficial,” he said.

Ahmad also wanted to know whether the 7.6 per cent deficit in the RM60 billion stimulus package would affect the ratings of Malaysian bonds.

Datuk Mohamad Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) and Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusoff (PKR-Balik Pulau) called on the government to ensure that the RM60 billion allocation would reach the target group.

Mohamad Aziz also said that the government should be extra careful when channelling assistance to sectors especially those that relied on foreign workers as these workers would, in the end, send the money to their home countries.

Meanwhile, Mohd Yusmadi proposed that an independent agency be set up to monitor and ensure the package reached its target.

– BERNAMA