MACC: RM4.07bil YTL Comms probe will be transparent, impartial

PETALING JAYA: The probe into YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YTL) over the RM4.07bil 1BestariNet service tender from the Education Ministry will be transparent and impartial, says the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The commission has assured that the probe was being carried out professionally, with no interference from external parties.

In a statement on Friday (Sept 6), the MACC said the investigation followed complaints involving several allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power that violate legal provisions, including the MACC Act 2009.

“The investigation into YTL is also based on information from the recent Governance, Procurement, and Finance Investigating Committee (JKSTUPKK) report in August, as well as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report.

“The findings from these two reports revealed several weaknesses, including low broadband coverage, infrastructure technology deficiencies, school locations, and incomplete broadband access.

“There is also public information and complaints from certain parties about this project, which failed to deliver the required broadband speed to support more efficient learning in schools.

“Additionally, according to the information received, the 1BestariNet service tender was initially planned for 15 years, involving RM4.07bil, but was shortened to seven years and six months without any reduction in contract value,” read the statement.

The anti-graft agency said although the services provided did not meet the objectives, it was understood that there were still some claims made by the company to the ministry, which required detailed investigation to verify the matter.

The investigation has revealed that the government may need to bear RM176mil claimed by the company, though this has yet to be verified, the commission said.

Additionally, the MACC said the losses from telecommunications tower rentals over the past five years, since 2019, are estimated at RM10.8mil.

“Therefore, the issue of why the investigation was conducted after the 1BestariNet project was terminated in 2019 does not arise, as it is the responsibility of MACC to conduct a professional investigation when receiving new information, especially those involving government funds allocated for national development.

“In this regard, MACC hopes the public will refrain from making any speculations regarding this issue, as corruption, misconduct, and abuse of power should not be compromised.”