I wish to bring to the attention of the public the state of the Sungai Merbok Jetty Complex in Sungai Petani, Kedah. It has failed miserably. The project was awarded by the state government to a crony, whose relative was awarded a lease to operate the complex and the sole waterfront restaurant.

The jetty was supposed to cater for a ferry service to Langkawi. I was on the inaugural trip but that was the last of it. That was the end of the plan and it was not heard of anymore. The complex has a Mangrove Exhibition Centre which is closed most of the time while tenancy is almost zero.

The jetty has a technical defect and apparently, boats or ferries cannot berth there due to this technical defect. How was the project audited and have those responsible for the failure been made to face the consequences?

Who was the contractor for building the jetty? Was an open tender called for? Was there a conflict of interest in awarding the contract?

On top of all this, the complex is currently undergoing an expansion project. The expansion is for chalets, a resort and other facilities. How sure is the taxpayer that his money will be protected and well-spent?

The big Sungai Merbok is an open waterway for all but surprisingly, fish traps are being put right in the middle and all the along this big river. Who is responsible for this? How are those who wish to promote river-cruises and boating as a sport to benefit?

In Langkawi, one only has to also look at the past 15 years of Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) activities. What did the auditor-general find out about financial irregularities in Lada which was reporting directly to the former prime minister?

There were several failed projects but what action was taken? Alor Setar, which hastily proclaimed a city recently, now looks deplorable. What has the proclamation really given the public?

These are the typical actions of the Barisan Nasional all over the country. Now it blames inflation to justify rising prices. I say it again, Malaysia Incorporated must be dismantled immediately, it is the source of all corruption.

The government must revert to monitoring and managing the country’s affairs by regulating policies and laws to safeguard the economy, healthcare, housing, security etc.