Kedah Mb Kulim Airport Project Not Given To Firm Under Probe

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Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has denied awarding the Kulim International Airport (KXP) project to a company with a dubious reputation.
Yesterday, PKR-linked NGO Pertubuhan Peneraju Insan alleged that the megaproject had been given to a firm that was under investigation by the MACC and Inland Revenue Board (IRB).
When contacted today, Sanusi dismissed the concerns and said the process was aboveboard.
He also said no public funds were involved in the “private” project.
“There are no issues. These people have nothing better to do.
“We have carried out all the necessary processes.
“The KXP is being done using private funding. Not government funds. Whoever has the money and required expertise can be involved,” he told Malaysiakini.
Company no longer under probe
Sanusi also shared a letter that appeared to be from federal MACC chief Azam Baki to Penang MACC chief Lim Bee Kean.
Dated November 2020, the letter indicated that the private company involved in the KXP project was no longer under investigation.
“Putrajaya has checked the (three companies involved).
“The result of the investigation found that the allegations and information investigated were not linked to the company in question,” Azam appeared to have said.

Malaysiakini has contacted Azam for confirmation.
Pertubuhan Peneraju Insan secretary Indrani Selvakumar lodged an MACC report yesterday alleging that the company awarded the KXP project had been under investigation since 2017 under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
She also lodged a police report urging scrutiny into the contract.
The Kedah government signed a joint venture agreement with ECK Group on Aug 2 to construct the KXP.
The private developer will own 80 percent of the special purpose vehicle set up for the project while the remaining 20 percent stake will be owned by state government firm KXP AirportCity Holdings Sdn Bhd.
The entire project will span 3,982ha and comprise an airport, airport city, business and industrial park (aerotropolis), aerospace and logistical hub, roads, and flood mitigation measures.
The first phase of construction is expected to cost RM6 billion, including land acquisition costs.
Kulim is located at the Penang-Kedah border.
The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) previously said it was not consulted about the KXP project and cautioned that it may jeopardise water supply to Penang.
The project will be located adjacent to two sections of the Sungai Muda riverbank, which is a primary source of water for Penang and southern Kedah. - Mkini

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