The Consultation and Prevention Panel of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has proposed the establishment of a panel of inquiry to find reasons for cost overruns and delays

in the construction of KL International Airport 2 (KLIA2).

Its chairperson, Johan Jaaffar, said the panel of inquiry should seek to find answers to questions on financial and cost management and to identify any negligence.

“It should verify design variations, cost variations and construction management, including those attributable to poor design and planning.

“The panel of inquiry should be mindful that the cost of construction has ballooned to almost double the original amount,” he said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Johan said that reports of delays and cost overruns had given rise to negative media attention as well as embarrassment for the government.

“While the advisory panel is pleased that KLIA2 is finally completed and opened for operation, we are concerned about reports of shoddy worksmanship,” he added.

KLIA2, which was built to accommodate the rapid expansion of the low-cost carrier sector, was initially expected to cost RM2 billion and completed in April 2012.

However, the cost of KLIA2 which was built to replace the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) shot up to RM3.6 billion when officially opened on May 2.

- Bernama