The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will recommend that the federal government take action against Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) for irregularities in its research vessel contract.

UMT had commissioned the construction of a research vessel, the RV Discovery, for RM11.99 million.

But the 2012 Auditor-General's Report had highlighted that the project has been marred by a cost overrun of at least RM3 million, as contractor Kaymarine Sdn Bhd had to perform two rectification jobs to meet specifications.

The report stated that the ship was not build in accordance to specifications set out by the International Maritime Organisation and the Marine Department, which compromised operational safety.

"We would like reprimand the university for their carelessness," PAC chairperson Nur Jazlan Mohamed told reporters yesterday in Parliament.

"There is a problem in adhering to the terms of the contract."

As of last June, the ship was yet to be in service, but Nur Jazlan said that it is operational now.