Sarawak Pakatan Harapan chief Chong Chieng Jen wants the MACC to investigate two mega road projects in the state which are on the verge of being greenlit.

Chong called on the commission at state branch in Kuching today to raise his “uneasiness” over the high costs of the Coastal Road Project and the Second Trunk Road Project, and the manner in which the contracts were awarded.

He was accompanied by Sarawak DAP Youth publicity secretary Abdul Aziz Isa and Padungan assemblyperson Wong King Wei.  

According to Chong, the Coastal Road Project, which is estimated to cost RM5 billion, and the Second Trunk Road Project, costing RM6 billion, will be funded by the state government.

“In light of the fact that the two proposed projects are now in the final stage of processing by the state Public Works Department, and that letters of award may be issued within one to two weeks, we urge that an investigation be carried out immediately.

“Based on the announcements made by the minister in charge of the department, it is obvious that the two proposed projects are clearly overpriced,” he said, in reference to Sarawak minister for infrastructure development and transportation James Jemut Masing.

Chong reiterated that there was no open tender for the selection of contractors by the state PWD for both the proposed road construction contracts.

“Since the recent change in the federal government after the general election, the Finance Ministry has directed that all substantial government projects must go through the open tender process.

“Even though that may be a directive from the federal government, it is a good practice to be emulated by the state government as well.

“This is true when it involves billions of the people’s money, though we do not have the official details of the projects,” Chong added.

Chong also said that the contract should be broken into smaller packages to involve more contractors.