FIVE contractors have been questioned over allegations they have been contracted to supply mass testing laboratory systems worth RM30 million even though it is not their area of expertise, anti-graft sources told The Malaysian Insight.

The contracts were given at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in Malaysia when there was a shortage of Covid-19 test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers.

A source told The Malaysian Insight five companies have already been hauled up, including a company which was contracted to build a medical laboratory.

“The investigations are still at an early stage and no arrests have been made yet, we are looking at the award of these contracts,” the source said.

“We want to ensure that the appointments were done according to the law and without elements of corruption or abuse of power.

“Such contracts must be awarded to licensed contractors who have the expertise in this field.”

The source added that more people will be called in for questioning soon.

It is learnt that the contracts that are being investigated are those awarded by the Ministry of Health and that investigators had already visited the ministry last week.

Health Minister Adham Baba had said the ministry will cooperate with MACC on the investigation.

He said the ministry is also constantly monitoring and ensuring its personnel practised a high level of integrity.

“The ministry will also support the MACC’s efforts to curb corruption and embezzlement. We will continue to work with MACC,” he had said in a statement. – May 5, 2020.