Pujut rep files MACC report over ‘vast discrepancy’ of two land deals
MIRI: The Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission ( MACC) is asked to investigate the discrepancy involving two land transactions by the Sarawak government, here.
Pujut assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon, who lodged an official report with the commission yesterday, told reporters that one transaction involved the transfer of state land to a private entity, while the other involved the purchase of land by the Sarawak government, via Miri City Council, from another private entity.
He claimed that there was a ‘ vast discrepancy’ in the value of the transactions, despite both plots of land being located not far from each other.
“As both concerned plots of land are in the public interest, I am calling on MACC to investigate the matter in full,” he said.
According to Dr Ting, the transfer of state land to the private entity was at a cost of RM3,168,480 for 2.87 hectares, whereas the purchase of land from another private entity – for the construction of Miri City Hall – was at a cost of RM22,190,100 for just 1.3 hectares.
“There has been no significant shift in land value (in the area) over the past few years, which is why the vast difference in valuation of the two transactions has to be called into question,” he added.
He hoped MACC would look into whether any person, agency or their representative had a hand in the valuation of the transactions, and whether any illegal activity, collusion or corruption was involved.
Accompanying Dr Ting yesterday was DAP Miri Youth chief Peter Hee.