IPOH: Perak Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recorded statements from 16 individuals in connection with the construction of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Hutan Melintang hall in Bagan Datuk.
Its director Datuk Zainul Darus said they were from state Public Works Department (PWD), contractors and other related agencies.
Zainul said further checks would also include the quotation for the project, issued by the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister's Department.
"We are still investigating the case and so far, we have recorded statements from these 16 individuals linked to the construction of the school hall.
"We are also checking other aspects including compliance of the building specifications, among others,
"Since the project was under the state PWD, MACC is also asking the Valuation and Property Services Department to make an assessment on the project," he said when contacted today.
Zainul added that today, the MACC, together with the Valuation and Property Services Department had conducted physical inspection on the hall and a report is expected to be ready by tomorrow.
"There are about six more statements needed but these individuals are currently out of town. More will be called in once we have completed the reports on the case," he said.
Zainul added that it was too early to determine if there was element of graft or misuse of power in case.
It was reported on Jan 27 that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has instructed MACC to probe into the construction of the school hall.
Zahid, who is also Bagan Datuk member of parliament, was unsatisfied with the quality of the open hall building, despite the RM600,000 allocation provided by the Prime Minister’s Department.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki recently said Perak’s MACC probe would focussed on two aspects – possible corruption and abuse of power.