When will the Matrade building be completed?

National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw has, once again, asked the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to tell the House when will its Matrade building be completed after seven years of delay.

The Public Works Department (JKR) has fined the contractor RM80 million. Who pays?

Dr Tan took part in the debate on the Supply Bill (2006 Budget) at the committee stage with the allocation of RM483.7 million t0 MITI.

Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) started its building project in 1994, to be completed in 1997. The contractor was Perangsang International Sendirian Berhad (PISB), which is a subsidiary of Kumpulan Hartanah Selangor Bhd--the investment company of the Selangor State Government. Apparently, on 26 October, 2004, PISB has been sold to a third party for RM2, as part of the revamp of Kumpulan Hartanah Selangor Bhd.

The building has had weaknesses such as the floors and the fascade. But, the biggest flaw is the contractor.

The Deputy Minister, MITI, Dato' Haji Ahmad Husni Bin Mohamad Hanadzlah says in the House on 21 November, 2005, that the final cost for the project will be RM257 million and the rescheduled date of completion is 23 March, 2005.