‘PROBE INTO SOLAR PROJECT ONGOING’

MACC began investigation in April after receiving public information

THE investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) into the alleged contract on the supply of solar power and diesel to 369 schools in Sarawak is ongoing, said Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik.

He said the ministry was waiting for the result of the investigation.

“It is under investigation. MACC began the probe a few months ago,” he said at the prime minister ’s Hari Raya Aildilfitri open house at Seri Perdana here on Friday.

It was reported in an online portal that there was a possibility of misconduct in the contract on a solar hybrid project worth RM2.5 billion, allegedly awarded through contract directly under the leaders of the former government.

It also reported that in January last year, an individual was accused of instructing the Education Ministry to appoint a car rental company in Bintulu to undertake the project.

On Monday, Maszlee said 369 schools in Sarawak did not have electricity supply and had been depending on generators using diesel supplied by some contractors.

However, he said, beginning Jan 1 last year, a company was given the contract to supply electricity to the schools within three years at a cost of RM1 billion.

It was reported that MACC had begun investigation into the case in April after receiving information from the public.

MACC had retrieved related documents from the Education Ministry for investigation.

BERNAMA PIC Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik (standing, fourth from left) with guests at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri event in Kampung Gajah Putih, Jitra, yesterday. With him is his wife, Dr Hamidah Mat (standing, third from left).