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Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on KL flood mitigation project. 8.2.2002

The Malaysian Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur is prone to flash floods. The Government has drawn up flood mitigation project. It has to appoint reliable contractors.

Because of various factors such as the geography of KL, rapid development and the relative lack of efficiency in the implementation of flood mitigation projects in the Klang Valley, flash floods occur in the capital.

In the last few years, a RM2.1 billion KL flood mitigation project is
believed to have been presented to the Government. This means, among other things, constructing 12 kilometre underground water diversion tunnels and 5-km motorway to turn traffic away from the centre.

STRICTER CRITERIA

We hope that the Government can implement the project as soon as possible. If it can bail out Renong and MAS, it can use our national resources to relieve people of floods. Renong and MAS have debts of RM30 billion and RM10 billion respectively.

The Economic Planning Unit, EPU, in the Prime Minister's Department has drawn up privatized projects. But then, not all companies appointed in privatized projects have done their work. For instance, Indah Water
Konsortium had the concession for national sewerage system. It has failed. The system has been re-nationalized, costing the public hundreds of millions of ringgit.

We urge the Government to use stricter criteria to appoint contractors for the KL flood mitigation projects. It is reported that Gamuda and Malaysian Mining Corporation, MMC, are competing for the project. The Government should be more transparent by following a reliable tender system with stricter criteria.

Which company is more able to complete the project in time? Will the project be awarded to both Gamuda and MMC? Why should the Government give contracts to certain companies only?

Dr Tan Seng Giaw