A big chunk of the RM7.2 billion the government paid to private consultants between 2009 to 2013 came under the federal development budget, said the Finance Ministry today.

In a statement, the ministry said RM6.15 billion out of the total amount came under the development budget between 2009 to October 2013.

NONE "This spending is for accounting and auditing services, property valuation and management, business negotiation expertise, computer services, data processing and architect services," it said.

The ministry said these services were sought for housing development, road construction, bridges, colleges, schools and even hospitals.

It pointed out that between 2009 and 2012, the government spent RM195 billion for development and infrastructure projects across the country.

"Another RM1.05 billion came under the operations expenditure between 2009 and October 2013," it said.

The ministry said these fees were paid for scientific research, economic research services, legal fees, auditing fees, and training for entrepreneurs.

The short response by the ministry is the first time the government has responded to the figures , which were revealed in Parliament last month.

The figures were revealed to PKR's Kelana Jaya MP Wong Chen through a written answer on the amount that the government spent on private consultants since 2009.