Loopholes, weaknesses in SWD system led to the siphoning of millions

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has identified weaknesses in the system of Sabah Water Department (SWD) scandal involving millions of Ringgit.
Not wanting to divulge details in the Dewan Rakyat, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Razali Ibrahim, said there were loopholes and weaknesses that needed rectification.
"We noticed it when compiling information. We worked with the SWD and managed to rectify the problems that enabled them to siphon out the amount in the last few years.
When Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (PAS-Kota Raja) asked the source of the RM112 million, whether it came from the RM3.3billion allocation for the water infrastructure development in Sabah and the loopholes, Razali evaded answering them.
Razali, however said, the case involved money laundering and other problems such as tender and contracts awarding processes.
Razali said that the case is set for hearing in court on July 4.
It was reported that on Dec 29 last year, former SWD director Ag Mohd Tahir Mohd Talib, 54, claimed trial to eight counts of possessing RM56.9million in cash and in four bank accounts, two charges for unlawful possession of six luxury vehicles and another charge with unlawful possession of 86 branded wrist watches.
He also claimed trial with his wife, Fauziah Piut, 51, to two counts of unlawful possession of jewellery, while Fauziah was charged with another 19 offences for unlawful possession of jewellery and luxury bags, and RM2.2 million in various bank accounts.
Sabah Finance Ministry former technical and engineering adviser Lim Lam Beng, 62, was also charged with unlawful possession of a vehicle and three counts of possessing RM2.38 million in cash.
MACC reportedly recovered an unprecedented amount of wealth including RM53.7 million in cash, nearly RM20kg in jewellery, RM60 million in bank deposits, RM30 million worth of land grants, RM30 million in accounts abroad and nine luxury cars worth RM2.7 million.