MRB chief denies speedy approval of RM100m project at his constituency

Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) chairperson Ahmad Nazlan Idris has denied speedy approval for the RM100 million Rubber Technology Centre (RTC) project at his parliamentary constituency in Jerantut as claimed by former primary industries minister Teresa Kok.

In a statement today, BN Jerantut MP Ahmad Nazlan Idris (above) said the project was still at the planning stage.

"The project was the brainchild of MRB and it was still at the planning stage and yet to be considered and approved by the board of directors, the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities and the government," he said.

Yesterday, Kok questioned the mega-project announced at "warp speed" by Nazlan one month after his appointment as MRB chairperson.

"The previous Pakatan Harapan government, through the Finance Ministry and my ministry had reset and imposed much stricter procedures before any big projects are given approvals. This would take more than one year at least," she said.

She said fiduciary and Finance Ministry procedures had been violated in this case.

Kok also questioned the need for the RTC project in Jerantut when Malaysia already has several fully operational rubber technology and research centres in Sungai Buloh as well as the Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre in England and in Kota Tinggi.

Teresa Kok

in his response, Nazlan explained various procedure needed to get the mega-project's approved in Jerantut.

This included a feasibility study on the project and its impact before being tabled to the board of directors of MRB. Only then would the project be presented to the ministry and the government for approval.

"The approval process of the land's development as a research centre must undergo a comprehensive procedure where the feasibility research paper and proposal paper are presented to MRB and verified by the board of directors.

"After that, the approval of the minister and cabinet are needed before it can be implemented," added Nazlan.

He also stressed the importance of establishing research centres nation-wide including along the east coast.

He said MRB had never ceased in its research work efforts to improve rubber production. - Mkini