RESIDENT associations are questioning Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) on why it is spending RM30.75 million to replace 200 units of smart lampposts.

They said it needs to be transparent and accountable for the project as it involves taxpayers’ funds.

Save Kuala Lumpur chairman M. Ali questioned the need to change the lampposts when there are other more pressing matters that need to be addressed, which are important to the community.

“Flash floods, poverty, creating jobs and other issues need to be addressed first, not changing to smart lampposts.

“Because every sen spent must be accounted for. This is taxpayers’ money, which does  not fall from the sky,” Ali told The Malaysian Insight.

Yesterday, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng said DBKL must explain why it is paying RM30.75 million for 200 lampposts, which means each smart lamppost would cost RM153,750.

The contract for the project spans engineering, procurement, construction and operation works to replace 200 lampposts.

Lim also questioned why the contract was awarded through Ennova Sdn Bhd and not directly by DBKL or the government.

It was reported that Sarawak Consolidated Industries Bhd (SCIB) was awarded the contract via Ennova.

Alluding to recent media reports, DBKL, in a statement, has denied the claims, saying it had never authorised any third party to appoint SCIB nor any of its subsidiaries to carry out projects for DBKL.

“Any contract value or quantity stated by SCIB is beyond the knowledge of DBKL.”

The Malaysian Insight has contacted Kuala Lumpur mayor Mahadi Che Ngah and is waiting for a response.

Save Kuala Lumpur’s Ali also asked if there was an open tender process and why there was an intermediary company involved.

“Lampposts are not the priority (now). I think there is something strange (going on) that this project has been pushed through.

“Does anyone have any vested interest in this project? We want transparency on the tender process.

“RM153,000 for a lamppost is an unacceptable figure. How smart is it going to be? This is a ridiculous figure. It is beyond belief.”

Ali said that the mayor has to be transparent.

“We urge the Federal Territories Minister (Shahidan Kassim) to investigate the matter.

“They all should come clean and explain the contract (lampposts). Why the change, it must be clear. What is the necessity for it?

“What is wrong with the existing lampposts? Did they (DBKL) maintain it? Can the mayor explain to us what’s wrong?”

Ali, who is also Bukit Bandaraya Residents’ Association adviser, said all Kuala Lumpur lawmakers should address the issue.

“They (MPs) have the moral responsibility to raise this issue.”

Brickfields Rukun Tetangga chairman S.K.K Naidu has also called for DBKL to be transparent on the matter.

“DBKL should call up community leaders and explain what they are doing. We are the stakeholders.

“They should be transparent and disclose why this amount (RM30 million) is being spent. Why is it costing so much?”

Naidu said that since it involves taxpayers’ money, there should be engagement with the community.

“This is taxpayers’ money and they (the community) need to know. DBKL must explain what a smart lamppost is? Why is it so special?”

Meanwhile, Lim said DBKL’s statement has raised more questions than answers as to who is actually paying the RM30.75 million sum for the contract.

“Is DBKL denying that there was an engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contract valued at RM30.75 million for the replacement of 200 lamp posts in the Klang Valley?

“Will DBKL and the Securities Commission ask Sarawak Consolidated Industries Bhd, a public listed company, for clarification?” he said in a statement.

DBKL, in another statement, said it had gradually appointed 29 panel companies with network facilities provider (NFP) licences since 2013 to implement the replacement of existing lampposts to lampposts integrated with a telecommunications transmitter system (dual function) around Kuala Lumpur.

“All the pole replacement costs of these lamps are fully borne by the panel company.

“The dual-function light pole is integrated with a telecommunications transmitter.

“The rationale for the construction of this dual-function lamppost is to upgrade telecommunication services in Kuala Lumpur to a 5G network in line with the government’s intention to complete the setting up of this infrastructure in Kuala Lumpur as soon as possible.”

DBKL said its main purpose is to improve the quality and coverage of services and wireless communication for users in Kuala Lumpur to enjoy the best 5G service facilities. – June 13, 2022.