SUNGAI BESI: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is free to probe the delay in the delivery of the three offshore patrol vessels (OPV) which were supposed to be completed in 2020, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The Prime Minister said the PAC, which comprises MPs from both the government and the Opposition, has the power to call any government agency, ministry or department to assist their probes.
"If there are any issues that arise and require explanation to the PAC, it is up to them," he said when met by reporters at the Semarak Patriotik IPT 2022 programme held at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) on Thursday (Sept 15).
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Ismail Sabri said he was informed that the OPVs were still under construction and will be ready soon.
"It is supposed to be completed in the nearest time and we shall wait for it. I have yet to get the full details regarding the OPV," added the Prime Minister.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director-general Maritime Admiral Datuk Zubil Mat Som said on Tuesday (Sept 13) that the three ships by local company THHE Destini Sdn Bhd in Pulau Indah, Klang are expected to be delivered to the MMEA early next year.
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"The Covid-19 pandemic also contributed to the project delay.
"The OPV 1 was supposed to be launched to water today (Tuesday), but it cannot be done as the ship could not be transported to the launch location.
"The company will change from the launch cradle method to an air balloon launch, which is expected to take place on Oct 10," he said in a statement.
"OPV 2 and OPV 3 are expected to be delivered in stages," he added.
Mohd Zubil said the agency hoped that all three ships will be completed and delivered soon as it has been over two years since the original delivery date.
"We really need all three ships to uphold maritime laws in local waters," he said.
