RM50,000 jetty: Were procedures followed, watchdog ask PWD

SHAH ALAM - Transparency International (TI) Malaysia has questioned if the Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) had carried out proper quotation and evaluation process before awarding the RM50,000 wooden jetty construction project in Kampung Mutap, Miri, Sarawak.

Its President Muhammad Mohan said the Sarawak PWD must also release details of the project.

"On the surface, the cost looks very high based on the photo but we need to look at documents of this project to know how it was built, and the price of the components as 'belian' wood in Sarawak is very expensive," he told Sinar Daily.

On April 8, the Sarawak PWD uploaded a picture of the wooden jetty together with the construction cost on its Facebook page, which generated criticism from the public over the hefty cost for a wooden jetty and urged the MACC to investigate the matter.

Bernama quoting a MACC source was reported as saying that the timber used in the RM50,000 project was genuine ‘belian’ timber and certified by experts.

But Muhammad said PWD should release relevant information as it is not known if the procedures were followed.

"Government policies are very clear with a tender process in place because the amount is not big, whether they actually tendered this projects or used any direct negotiation," he asked.

Muhammad further urged MACC to carry out a thorough probe on the project.

"I believe PWD has provided details to MACC, but MACC should quickly investigate as it does not seem to be a complicated case." he said.

Residents in Kampung Mutap had also raised concerns over the safety of the jetty as it should have handrails, fences and a roof for the safety and comfort of the residents.