The new 'state of the art' Temerloh Hospital in Pahang, has evoked mixed reactions. While Works Minister S Samy Vellu gave it the thumbs-up, an opposition leader claimed that it posed a danger to patients.

The hospital, which received its Certificate of Practical Completion (CPC) on Jan 15, is one of the best ever built, said the minister when contacted today.

However, DAP deputy chairperson Dr Tan Seng Giaw called on Samy Vellu to investigate claims that the hospital's structural and equipment shortcomings would pose a threat to its patients.

The 498-bed hospital, estimated to have cost RM500 million, has yet to begin operations. The Ministry of Health would need to give the hospital the green light before it can open its doors.

Public complaints

"I have received public complaints, two major complaints, from individuals in (Temerloh) who have close knowledge of the project and are unhappy with improprieties in the project," said Tan, who is also Kepong MP.

According to him, among the alleged irregularities in the project, spearheaded by turnkey contractor Projek Hospital Temerloh Sendirian Berhad (PHTSB), are shortchanging of the materials used and the non-installation of electrical related devices.

"PHTSB has yet to forward synchronising test results to the M and E (mechanical and electronic) consultant for review of the standby generator system. The residual current device (RCD) has not been installed to replace (it) from 30mA to 10mA," said Tan, a practising dermatologist.

He said the RCD installation is important as it removes electrical leakage which is especially crucial for patients with heart conditions.

Tan said he obtained the information from professionals in the construction and medical field who had first hand details of the hospital which is located on a 44-acre site in Kampung Paya Luas, Mukim Perak.

"There is no mechanical ventilation air conditioning system (MVAC) to monitor and adjust temperature and humidity. PHTSB has not installed a pneumatic tube system for transmission of sample and documents," he added.

Motives questioned

Other irregularities include the paved roads and car parks, which the DAP leader claimed were not up to mark.

The contractor is also accused of using materials such as limestone, which is said to cost RM11 per tonne, instead of the contractually promised granite, which costs RM18 a tonne, for the project.

"The covered pedestrian walkway has three road gaps which are uncovered. Testing and commissioning for the mechanical and electrical work is not completed," said Tan who plans to visit the location tomorrow.

He also questioned the motives behind awarding the contract to a turnkey contractor. (Contractors who work on the project from start to end including being responsible for design, construction, equipping, commissioning and maintenance in its entirety.)

"The possession of the site was on March 8, 2002 but work started (prior) in 2001. Was there special privileges given to PHTSB?," he asked, adding that there was lack of surveyors and professional supervisors to the project.

He said the project was initially due for completion on Sept 7, 2004 but the deadline was extended, upon the contractor's request, to Dec 6, 2004.

Allegations denied

Responding, Samy Vellu told the opposition leader to file a report with the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) over his grouses with the project.

He also denied the allegations and cautioned Tan against making such 'flying statements'.

"He has got to see it (the hospital) before he speaks," said Samy Vellu, adding that whatever was required to be installed in the hospital, are in place.

However, the minister was unable to disclose off-hand the total amount spent on the project

Earlier, Tan said he had already alerted the ACA as the project involved a large amount of money and that the contractors' "slipshod job could mean they pocketed some of the money".