KUALA LUMPUR: The government can save up to RM2 billion following the re-evaluation of several flood mitigation projects, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said out of 39 flood mitigation projects applied by the Environment and Water Ministry, 28 were awarded through direct tenders. This, he said, amounted to about RM14 billion, or more than 90 per cent of the entire allocation.
"Why were the decisions regarding the costly projects done in haste and through direct negotiations, although they are long-term projects for 2030?
"I want to stress here that this unity government is not questioning the importance of having the projects. What I am worried about is that the people's money is being spent quickly and carelessly.
"Therefore, I have asked the Finance Ministry to re-evaluate the procurement process, which enables us to save at least RM2 billion, an amount that can be used for the people.
"The Finance Ministry, along with other ministries, will factor in experts' views so that such big spending by the government will benefit the people."
Earlier this month, Anwar said Finance Ministry officials had briefed him that about RM7 billion out of the RM15 billion allocated had been approved and awarded without undergoing a tender.
The federal government's 2030 flood mitigation project was announced by the previous finance minister, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, in October during the tabling of the 2023 Budget as part of a long-term strategy to deal with climate change.
