No graft in flood mitigation projects, cost shrank to RM11.8b - minister

 

Natural Resources and Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has denied allegations of corruption in the awarding of flood mitigation projects.

He said the cost of the projects had even shrunk, contrary to claims by a Bersatu leader that the costs of the projects had ballooned to over RM16 billion.

"This government had reviewed proposals for high-priority flood mitigation projects to prioritise critical areas with a ceiling allocation to develop all 33 projects set by the Finance Ministry at RM11.8 billion, not RM16.6 billion," he said in a statement today.

Previously, the preceding government had allocated RM15 billion for flood mitigation works.

However, in November last year, the current administration halted RM7 billion in contracts for flood mitigation projects allegedly awarded through direct negotiation by the previous government.

Yesterday, Bersatu information committee member Badrul Hisham Shaharin alleged that there were major kickbacks in the awarding of flood mitigation projects, leading to costs increasing to RM16.6 billion.

False claims

However, Nik Nazmi said that the claims by Badrul Hisham - better known as Chegubard - were malicious and unfounded.

"Chegubard’s accusations are without basis and show that he does not understand the government's procurement process," he said.

He added that almost all flood mitigation projects this year are still going through a tender process, with only 19 offer letters of award issued.

He said there has been no expenditure from the allocated development expenditure.

Badrul Hisham Shaharin

Further, he said the flood mitigation projects go through a transparent procurement process overseen by the Finance Ministry and the procurement board, which he is not involved in.

"I strongly deny the malicious slander and will be taking civil action against him (Badrul Hisham) soon," the minister said. - Mkini