MCA Youth submits memorandum to MACC on DRT project investigation

PUTRAJAYA: MCA Youth has submitted a memorandum to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) about the Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) project that was awarded to the husband of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.

MCA Youth said there were 25 other ride-hailing companies licensed by the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), according to its statement given at the MACC headquarters here.

“Given the similarity between the DRT and ride-hailing services, the MACC should investigate as to why these 25 companies were not invited,” it said.

Selangor executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han had said that the state government had involved only Asia Mobility Technologies and Badan Bas because they were the only companies licensed by the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) to operate a “bus-on-demand” service.

However, MCA Youth secretary-general Saw Yee Fung said that they are unsure why Ng said that there were only two companies licensed to tender for the project, when there are 25 other similar companies.

“We hope for the MACC to conduct an open and transparent investigation into the entire process of awarding the DRT project, including the decision-making and approval processes.

“The MACC can also clarify the legality of awarding direct awards, and if allowed, what risk mitigation exists to prevent under the table negotiations and cronyism,” she said.

She also urged MACC to consider laws to regulate offering of government contracts for relatives of high-ranking government officials.

Moreover, Saw questioned the budget allocation for the DRT project.

“According to media reports, across nine months, the cost per passenger would amount to RM97.50. If such high operation costs are needed, is the DRT truly cost-saving?” she said.

Saw added that there were media reports saying waiting time for DRT is excessively long.

“We hope that the MACC can investigate the entire process, whether the Selangor government has done appropriate cost and feasibility assessment to approve and carry out this project,” she said.

This is the second action that MCA Youth is taking for investigation of the DRT after lodging a police report on May 29.

The DRT is a demand-based ride-sharing public transit service to improve last- and first-mile connectivity for public transport services.

It is part of the RM25mil Selangor Mobiliti initiative announced in the state’s 2023 budget to improve the public transport ecosystem.

Asia Mobiliti’s participation in the DRT has caused a public uproar with several quarters demanding that the Selangor government reveal how the firm was awarded the project.