The Education Ministry is awaiting the results of a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation in connection with a contract to supply solar and diesel power to 369 schools in Sarawak.

Minister Mazlee Malik added that his ministry is in the process of an internal investigation after the direct tender worth RM2.5 billion was publicly revealed earlier this week. 

”(It) is still under MACC investigation. MACC has begun investigating months ago. Wait,” he said when met at a Hari Raya open house in Seri Perdana, Putrajaya today. 

On July 11, several media outlets reported that the previous administration had awarded a Bintulu-based car rental firm to carry out the solar hybrid project.

Mazlee said there are currently 369 schools in Sarawak who do not have direct access to electrical grid, using diesel generators for power. 

Prior to 2017, the a handful of contractors supplied the diesel, Mazlee said. 

He said beginning January 1, 2017, one of the contractors, Jepak Holding Sdn Bhd, was awarded the contract to supply electricity to all 369 schools for three years until December 31, 2019. The project was valued at RM1 billion, including the goods and services tax. 

Mazlee said developers have been late, causing the project’s progress to fall far below 51%, a threshold that should have been reached on May 15. 

Meanwhile, Mazlee thanked the voters of Simpang Renggam, Johor, for supporting him as MP in the May 9 polls.

“Simpang Renggam is in my heart. Wait till my open house in June 23 (next Saturday),” he said. – June 15, 2018.