The Prime Minister said they should not think that just because they had acquired a project that there would be no more problems.

"Make it your job to check on the progress. Also, you must see to it that the project is completed within the time frame and according to specifications. "And once completed check if the infrastructure is being utilized well.

"Do not turn your back once the project is on. Be aware of what is happening on the ground," Abdullah told civil servants at the Dewan Jubli Perak here yesterday.

The Prime Minister said regular checks would help to reduce problems of incomplete, abandoned and delayed structures.

"Projects such as schools, hospitals and community halls are meant for the public to use and if they are not completed within the specified time and standard, the people will be denied of their benefits.

"These projects cost a lot and the Government will want the money to be spent prudently and not wasted."

The situation became worse when additional sums had to be set-aside on projects that were abandoned or defective, said Abdullah, citing the RM3bil that the Government would be spending to revive 172 abandoned housing projects.

"Sometimes, state assemblymen ask for projects for their constituency which are similar to those in nearby constituencies," he said, adding that in such cases it was suffice to have just one such project

"So, a survey must be conducted to assess the situation," he said.

Abdullah said it might also be necessary to have another survey to gauge whether new facilities met the objectives for which they were first proposed.

On ways to improve the delivery system, Abdullah suggested that the system of quality control circle be revived or reactivated.

Touching on maintaining government buildings, which cost RM500mil annually, Abdullah said everyone must do their part to see to it that the buildings were in good working order.

"Some may say that maintenance is a trivial matter," he said.

The Prime Minister advised heads of government departments to be serious in their job but fair when meting out punishment to their subordinates.

He said although they might have to make unpopular decisions, the heads must not run away from their responsibilities.

"If it is a justified action, the subordinates will learn to accept the punishment given."If you are not willing to do this (make decisions), resign and do other more simple jobs," Abdullah said.

The Prime Minister later had an audience with Sultan Ahmad Shah at Istana Pekan in Pekan.