Probe klia2: Determine reasons for cost overruns, delays in construction

KUALA LUMPUR: An inquiry panel should be set up to probe and determine the reasons for cost overruns and delays in the construction of klia2, which was built to replace the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT).
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) consultation and prevention panel chairman Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar proposed a probe into klia2 in the light of its final cost being almost double the original amount.
"The body should seek to find answers to questions on financial and cost management and to identify any negligence," he said in a statement today.
"It should verify design variations, cost variations and construction management, including those attributable to poor design and planning," he added.
Johan said that reports of delays and cost overruns had given rise to negative media attention as well as embarrassment for the government.
"While the advisory panel is pleased that klia2 is finally completed and opened for operations, we are concerned about reports of shoddy worksmanship.
"It should be mindful that the final cost of construction had ballooned to almost double the original amount," he added.
klia2, which was built to accommodate the rapid expansion of the low-cost carrier sector was initially expected to cost RM2 billion and be completed in April 2012.
However, when finally completed and opened only last month, the cost of klia2 had shot up to RM3.6 billion.