DAP's Ng wants MACC to investigate Perda

GEORGE TOWN: A DAP parliamentarian has urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to act against the Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda) for allegedly selling land below the market price.

Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik said the MACC should act against the Perda chairman, Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Shahbudin Yahaya, to dismiss talk of double standards.

He said the Perda issue has been highlighted since last year and urged the MACC to swiftly investigate the matter.

"What is the status of the case now? This is a matter which involves the interest of the public," he said in a press conference yesterday.

Last year, Penang Health, Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, Rural and Regional Development Committee chairman Dr. Afif Bahardin lodged a report with the MACC, alleging that plots totaling some 3.4ha at South Seberang Perai were sold for RM1.427 million despite the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) valuing those plots at some RM16.636 million.

Ng questioned the RM15.209 million discrepancy between the selling price and the IRB valuation and pressed for an explanation from the relevant authorities.

"This is much more serious compared to the case of Penang Environment, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh who was merely issuing a support letter which is a routine practice for elected representatives," he added.

Earlier at the MACC headquarters in Penang, a resident near Kampung Tok Subuh in Bukit Minyak lodged a report with the agency over the operations of a licensed coating factory.

Ong Chin Giap, 43, alleged the factory was causing pollution in the area and claimed he has since developed a skin disease since the factory started operating in 2014.

He said complaints filed with the authorities were not heeded and urged the MACC to take action.

"I hope action can be taken," he said, after lodging the report.
He was accompanied by Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) Penang chairman Tang Hiang Lye.