Malaysia's ambition to operate a satellite that photographs high resolution images of the country could cost tax payers RM1 billion, claimed two opposition MPs.

NONEAccording to Stampin MP Julian Tan Kok Ping and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim derived the figure by taking into account of the government's entire satellite programme since 2000.

This includes RazakSat 1, RazakSat 2, Tiungsat 1 and other microsatellite programmes.

RazakSat 1, launched in 2009, was in operation for only a year before failing. The satellite took 1,300 pictures with a error of 37km. It cost tax payers RM142 million.

It's replacement, RazakSat 2, is expected for launch in 2016. Currently, its estimated cost is RM271.9 million.

TiungSat 1, launched in 2000, was the programme's first satellite. The government has stated intentions to launch TiungSat 2, CubeSat and InnoSat under the same programme.

"The overall cost must not be seen from the cost of RazakSat 1 and RazakSat 2 alone. The cost of all these other projects must be taken into account," Sim said during a press conference at the Parliament lobby today.

"We have reasons to believe that if all these are included, it may cost RM1 billion in taxpayers money," Sim said.

Sim and Tan both called on the government to disclose the total cost of this program.

"There seems to be no serious effort taken to ensure RazakSat 2 won't end up as a failure like RazakSat 1," Tan said.