PAC: No misappropriation in Rawang-Ipoh double tracking project KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has found difficulty to determine

Ha ha ha is this possible? No misappropriation when the cost increase 32.9%. Is this possible? Do not how to investigate or do not have the knowledge..... ha ha ha

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PAC: No misappropriation in Rawang-Ipoh double tracking project

KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has found difficulty to determine whether there was misappropriation in the Rawang-Ipoh double tracking project, the cost of which reached almost RM1.43bil, up 32.9 percent from the original cost.

PAC chairman Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid said the committee had met representatives of the Transport Ministry, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), the consultants and contractors of the project and found that most dealings, especially the financial aspect, were done according to procedures.

However, weaknesses existed in terms of implementing and managing the project at all levels, he said.

"Among the matters the PAC will highlight to the government will be improving the way it implements big projects in future.

"For instance, there must be a comprehensive standard operating prodecure and meticulous checklist, and we must also see whether implementing projects the build-and-design way should be continued or to use other methods," he told reporters after chairing a PAC meeting in the parliament building Wednesday. He said among the clear weaknesses involved were land acquisition and land use that required the approval of the local authorities which delayed the project.

"This pushed the costs up, including the technical side. The time given to acquire the land was five months, but land acquisition is the biggest issue in any project."

Azmi said the Rawang-Ipoh double tracking project which began in 2000 was scheduled to be ready in 2005, but due to the arising problems including having to appoint a new contractor, it was only completed in 2007. - Bernama