NO DIRECT NEGOTIATION IN SELANGOR DRT PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION - EXCO

SHAH ALAM, May 29 (Bernama) -- The involvement of Asia Mobility Sdn Bhd in the proof of concept (POC) for the Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) pilot project was through a Request-for-Proposal (RfP) process, not direct negotiation as alleged.

Selangor Investment, Trade and Mobility Committee chairman Ng Sze Han said that the claim that Asia Mobility was the only company selected is untrue, as Badan Bus Coach Sdn Bhd was also given the opportunity to implement the POC, and another company's application is being considered for the next phase.

"Earlier this month, the state government received a proposal from Kumpool Sdn Bhd expressing its interest in participating in the POC process. The company has also received approval from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to join.

"The state government is confident that the RfP evaluation process and decisions involving these companies are conducted prudently and based on solid criteria, adhering to existing legal requirements and guidelines," he said in a statement here today.

Ng, who is also Kinrara state assemblyman said both companies, Asia Mobility and Badan Bas Coach, received equal allocations of RM2.1 million each to subsidise bus users during the POC implementation period.

He said the payments are disbursed in three phases to prevent misuse of state funds.

Ng also stressed that his administration is prepared to present the full evaluation process to the authorities, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability, particularly regarding state fund expenditures.

Previously, Asia Mobility justified its participation in the DRT service, asserting that only two companies in the country are qualified to deliver the services they provide.

Yesterday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) stated that it had conducted a preliminary investigation into the contract award issue and found no wrongdoing, concluding that there is no case in this matter.

-- BERNAMA