Ministry decision today on RM1.25b Sarawak solar energy scandal

KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry is set to take action in the RM1.25 billion solar energy scandal involving a company awarded a project to install 369 schools in Sarawak with solar energy.

The project was awarded to the company by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak without open tender.

Its minister, Dr Maszlee Malik, in a statement yesterday, said he would announce his findings on the scandal.

“I was aware of media reports on the possibility of misappropriation that might have taken place in installing solar energy at schools in Sarawak.

“I conducted an investigation last week and the respective authorities were informed of the matter.

“I made a decision on Friday and the decision will be announced tomorrow (today).”

Portal Sarawak Report revealed that Najib, in January last year, had signed the project.

The project was awarded to a car rental company in Bintulu, which was said to lack a track record in the field.

It was revealed that the ministry’s staff, who had raised concerns regarding the project were transferred, while reports made to police and the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission were ignored.

The report revealed that not a single solar power unit had been installed so far.