IT systems provider cries foul over Tabung Haji tender

An IT systems provider is dissatisfied that Tabung Haji awarded a tender to install a queue management system (QMS) at its 120 branches to a company that has no expertise in the matter and had to sub-contract it to companies owned by non-Muslims.

Virtual Softnet Solutions Sdn Bhd managing director Abu Bakar Hassan (right) said this was despite his company being the lowest bidder at RM2.3 million, and has experience in developing, manufacturing and installing its own QMS, compared to the winning bid of RM2.4 million by Tabung Haji’s subsidiary Tetha Edge Bhd.

He did not name the sub-contractor for Tetha Edge.

“Why is a company owned by Tabung Haji, which collects funds from Muslim depositors, treat Muslim-owned companies like a step child?” he asked.

He added that he had lodged a complaint with the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia, and intends to lodge a report with the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission soon.

Abu Bakar alleged that his company was offered a “turnkey project” by Tabung Haji early last year to replace the QMS at the Islamic Finance Centre in Johor Bahru, and was given the impression that it would be given the contract to replace the QMS in all Tabung Haji branches if successful.

After the turnkey project was successfully completed, Abu Bakar said his company was not awarded the contract, but instead a tender was called in October using Virtual Softnet’s specifications.

“According to the information we received, our bid was the lowest and was included in the top three list to be forwarded to the tender board,” he said.

However, Abu Bakar claimed that Tetha Edge was added to the list at the last minute and with the highest bid, it was able to obtain the highest “technical score” despite not being a QMS manufacturer, a criteria to qualify for the tender.

“False hope had been given to Virtual Softnet Solutions, where we had invested time, energy and money to concentrate on this turnkey project.

“We have lost hundreds of thousands of ringgit because we could not pursue other opportunities while focusing on this project,” he added.

When asked by reporters whether the issue had been raised with Tabung Haji, Abu Bakar said he had met Tabung Haji CEO Ismi Ismail, but the meeting turned futile as the CEO “could not help”.