Audit finds RM3m cost overrun in UKM research buildings upgrade
An upgrading project involving two blocks at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) Bangi campus, which were affected by fungal infestation, has disrupted the continuity of research activities at the university, an audit has found.
The Auditor-General’s Report 1/2026 stated that the failure to complete the upgrade works to the Biological Sciences and Chemical Sciences buildings at the Faculty of Science and Technology on schedule resulted in a cost increase of RM3.04 million and additional expenditure of RM1.81 million.
The delay also affected the performance of 251 UKM research projects, collectively valued at RM41.06 million.
The two blocks, covering a total area of 39,284 square metres and constructed in 1980, have been in critical and unsafe condition due to severe fungal infestation since 2010, leading to their closure and non-use since 2020.
“The RM43.28 million project to upgrade health-risk buildings and facilities was implemented under the Restoration, Conservation, Renovation and Upgrading category using a design-to-cost approach, with the original contract period from April 12, 2023, to Oct 7, 2025.
“However, the project has been granted a 15-month extension and is now expected to be completed on Jan 6, 2027, due to delays in appointing mechanical and electrical subcontractors as well as additional work scope following site assessments,” said the report, which was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat today.
The audit found that the project was issued 11 variation orders involving additional costs of RM3.04 million, while physical progress stood at only 34 percent as of October 2025.
Fungal treatment works at the P13 Chemical Sciences Building have yet to commence, while the P15 Chemical Sciences Building has not been fully handed over to the Public Works Department (PWD) as it is still being used for teaching and learning purposes.
“The damage has resulted in UKM incurring additional costs of RM1.81 million for the rental of external laboratories, upgrading of hall spaces, sample storage, as well as the replacement of assets and furniture to ensure that 251 research projects worth RM41.06 million can continue.
“A total of 27 research projects amounting to RM3.09 million were granted extensions ranging from six to 21 months, while 63 research and development assets valued at RM0.72 million had to be relocated to other locations,” the report said.
In its response to the audit, the Finance Ministry proposed the establishment of a committee or platform at the ministry level to review problematic projects under its purview.
PWD said the additional project costs were necessary due to the expansion of the work scope, with applications for cost increases submitted to the Higher Education Ministry and UKM, and part of the additional allocation approved by the Economy Ministry.
UKM, in its response, said the closure of key laboratories had affected research productivity, with more than 40 percent of publication targets yet to be achieved as of October 2025, in addition to challenges in student intake and a decline in research output quality.
“UKM is implementing phased vacating in line with the provision of temporary laboratories by PWD, and will hand over the P15 Building to PWD once alternative placements are ready and safe for use,” it said.
- Bernama
