RM50k wooden jetty: MACC finds no element of corruption

 

MACC has carried out checks into the RM50,000 wooden jetty project at Kampung Mutap in Miri, Sarawak, but did not find any element of corruption.

According to sources inside the anti-graft commission, MACC headquarters had ordered its Sarawak office to scrutinise the project under Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD), following public outcry over its alleged overpriced cost.

"Sarawak MACC has been ordered to get further details on the project.

"Following this, they had carried out checks and the outcome did not show any element of bribery or embezzlement in the project," a source told Malaysiakini today.

MACC senior director (investigation) Hishamuddin Hashim confirmed the outcome but did not elaborate.

Scepticism over quality

Sarawak PWD came under heavy criticism after it uploaded several photographs showing the handing over of a new wooden jetty in Kampung Mutap, which it said was built with a total cost of RM50,000.

Many had aired their scepticism over the quality of the jetty, with some raised questions over the RM50,000 price paid by the government for a simple wooden structure comprising planks and support.

Following this, the department yesterday, issued a statement defending the project, saying that the amount also included safety costs due to the river there being infested with crocodiles, and poor access to Kampung Mutap, which is located some 60km from Miri.

According to Sarawak PWD, the cost of material is based on the department's schedule rate of RM9,000 per metre cube of belian timber, which it said is actually below the market rate.

However, the department's explanation still did not bode well with the Sarawak Pakatan Harapan, which earlier today urged MACC to investigate the project. - Mkini