PUTRAJAYA: The Works Ministry plans to make it easier for Class F Bumiputera contractors to obtain government jobs and to ensure that they get paid on time. 

Some 13,000 Class F contractors will be put on a Works Ministry list to work directly through the ministry. 

Instead of waiting for sub-contracts, these contractors will be chosen for the smaller jobs by the ministry at the time the main contract is awarded. 

And instead of waiting for payment from the main contractors, the ministry will pay them directly, deducting the sums from the payment to the main contractors. 

"Once they have completed the job, we will pay their fees straight to them," said Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, adding that this would create a pool of highly capable Class F contractors.

Government-linked companies (GLCs) will also be asked to help these Class F contractors to obtain jobs. Of an estimated 40,000 Class F contractors, 13,000 had replied to a ministry questionnaire about their problems. 

Among the common complaints highlighted were the lack of jobs because the main contractors often awarded them to others. And when they did get the jobs, payment was often delayed, putting pressure on their cash flow.

The shortlisted contractors would have to attend at least five days? training with the Construction Industry Development Board before being put on the Works Ministry list.

The government has allocated RM2.1billion for more than 40,000 small projects for Class F contractors, who can undertake jobs worth up to RM100,000.

Samy Vellu was speaking after the cabinet committee meeting on investment and infrastructure facilities, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday.