PULAPAS issues statement on price offer for upgrading training complex roof at southern regional civil defence centre

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 AUGUST 2026 —

Deep Dive: PULAPAS Issues Statement on Price Offer for Upgrading Training Complex Roof at Southern Regional Civil Defence Centre

Background and History of the Issue The Southern Regional Civil Defence Centre, located in Johor Bahru, serves as a critical facility for disaster response and civil defence training in southern Malaysia. The training complex’s roof, which has deteriorated over time, requires urgent upgrades to ensure the safety of personnel and the functionality of the facility. PULAPAS, under the purview of the JKR, is responsible for managing public amenities and infrastructure projects.

The decision to upgrade the roof follows standard procurement procedures, including an open tender process. The project was initially advertised in June 2023, with bids closing in July 2023. The contract was subsequently awarded to a GLC, which submitted the lowest evaluated tender at RM5.2 million.

Current Developments As of the latest update, PULAPAS has confirmed that the price offer for the roof upgrade project stands at RM5.2 million. The project scope includes structural repairs, waterproofing, and the installation of new roofing materials to meet current safety standards. The GLC, identified as Syarikat Bekalan Air Johor Holdings Sdn Bhd (SAJH), was awarded the contract after a rigorous evaluation process.

PULAPAS has stated that all procedures were conducted in accordance with government procurement guidelines to ensure transparency and value for money. The project is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2024 and is projected to be completed within 12 months.

Malaysia Market Impact The awarding of this RM5.2 million contract to a GLC reflects the Malaysian government’s preference for leveraging state-linked entities in public infrastructure projects. Such projects often stimulate local economies by creating jobs and fostering partnerships between government agencies and private sector players. However, the involvement of a GLC has also sparked discussions about competition and fairness in procurement processes.

The project aligns with the government’s broader agenda to modernize civil defence infrastructure, particularly in high-risk areas like Johor Bahru, which is prone to flooding and other natural disasters. The successful completion of this project could set a precedent for future civil defence facility upgrades nationwide.

Sector Detail The civil defence sector in Malaysia is primarily managed by the Malaysian Civil Defence Department (APM), under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Southern Regional Civil Defence Centre plays a role in coordinating disaster response efforts across Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang. Upgrading infrastructure such as training complexes is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational readiness.

The roof upgrade project falls under the category of maintenance and rehabilitation, which is critical for ensuring that facilities remain functional during emergencies. The involvement of PULAPAS highlights the collaboration between JKR and APM in managing public infrastructure for civil defence purposes.

Expert-Style Context According to PULAPAS director-general Datuk Seri Haji Rosli bin Isa, the project was awarded to SAJH after a thorough evaluation of technical and financial proposals. Rosli stated that the tender process adhered to the Government Procurement Act 2007 and the Financial Procedure Act 1957, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. He also emphasized that the project’s budget was determined based on market rates and cost estimates provided by JKR’s quantity surveyors.

The selection of SAJH was based on its technical capability, past performance, and the lowest evaluated tender price, which was RM5.2 million. Rosli further noted that the project would undergo regular monitoring to ensure timely completion and adherence to quality standards.

Risks Several risks are associated with this project, including potential delays due to weather conditions, supply chain disruptions, or unforeseen structural issues during the upgrade. There are also concerns about the long-term durability of the new roofing materials, particularly given Johor Bahru’s tropical climate, which is characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity.

Additionally, the involvement of a GLC may raise questions about transparency and fair competition, although PULAPAS has assured that all procedures were conducted in accordance with government guidelines. Any delays or cost overruns could impact the project’s timeline and the operational readiness of the civil defence centre.

Outlook The RM5.2 million roof upgrade project is expected to improve the operational capacity of the Southern Regional Civil Defence Centre. Once completed, the upgraded facility will enhance the centre’s ability to conduct training and disaster response operations effectively. The project also serves as a model for future infrastructure upgrades within the civil defence sector, demonstrating the government’s commitment to modernizing critical facilities.

PULAPAS has indicated that lessons learned from this project will be applied to other similar initiatives, ensuring continuous improvement in public infrastructure management. The successful completion of this project could reinforce confidence in the government’s procurement processes and its ability to deliver essential services to the public.