Penang MACC staff quarters with 'million dollar view'

The new staff quarters for the Penang office of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) boast a "million dollar (sea)view" that also makes for a “very liveable” environment.

Built at a cost of RM14.1 million, the 21-storey apartment building is located on 0.6 ha of prime land on Northam Road.

State MACC director Samarajoo Manikam, at the official launch of the building today, said the 21st floor has a deck from which residents can enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline.

The developer, Najwa Maju Sdn Bhd, completed the project on Jan 15 and MACC staff have been occupying the units since May 1.

There are only two units per level from Level 2-16, while Level 17 has two units that can be used by visiting MACC officers for a fee.

The building comes with a hall, surau, kindergarten, badminton field and utility rooms, while each of the four-room units has built-in cabinets.

In addition, there are four gazebos, a playground, 36 parking lots for cars and 39 for motorcycles, which would be the envy of all because parking lots are hard to come by in Penang, Samarajoo  noted.

"This speech was prepared by occupants of the apartment who insisted that these features (should be mentioned), showing how much they enjoy their homes," he said in jest.

"(But) I am very confident that the staff will not be swept up by illusion or complacency (to the point that) they forget their responsibility to fight corruption and abuse of power.

"We will be more committed by focusing on our responsibilities and duties to ensure accountability and integrity to realise MACC's aspirations. The staff and I will continue to cooperate, support and give our full commitment in realising the commission's transformation."

MACC chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamad and state MACC Puspanita chairperson Vijayaletchumi Krishnan attended the event.

Heritage building also launched

The occasion was also used to launch the MACC's Mutiara Heritage building - dubbed Bagunan Warisan A - which is located near the main office.

This building was rehabilitated and has been maintained by contractor Pulau Mutiara since Oct 26, 2010, under the supervision of the Northeast Public Works Department.

The work was carried out at a cost of RM1.28 million, and completed in July last year.

There are 10 rooms - two for discussions, one for seminars and seven for officers. The MACC’s state community education unit and inspection and discussion unit are also located on the premises.

"The name Mutiara Integriti was chosen as it reflects the values, accountability and integrity of the MACC, while ‘Mutiara’ is synonymous with the ‘Pearl of the Orient’," Samarajoo said.