Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai must take responsibility for the “unbridled wastage” incurred in the KL International Airport 2 (KLIA2) project, said a NGO.

The Centre to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4) said with the “massive increase” of RM2.3 billion in the airport’s construction costs, revelation in Parliament yesterday of the additional RM76.5 million to repair its defects was alarming.

“KLIA2 is but a classic example of major infrastructure projects that has incurred unbridled wastage and losses due to shoddy workmanship.

“The transport minister must accept responsibility over the loss of public funds, and the relevant bodies involved in this must be adequately punished,” said C4 executive director Cynthia Gabriel in a statement today.

Yesterday, Liow in a written reply said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has spent RM76.5 million to repair defects at KLIA2 since its operations began in May 2014.

“It's rather astonishing to learn of this because earlier, it was reported that the construction expenses for the new terminal ballooned from an initial estimate of about RM1.7 billion to RM4 billion.

“It is astounding to later discover massive defects in the building of the airport,” said Gabriel.

“(Liow’s) response is alarming to say the least. Further, the minister has failed to detail the breakdown of the repairs and their costs,” she added.

The NGO urged Liow to:

1. Disclose the contract for the construction of KLIA2 and provide reports on why, despite the staggering cost of RM4 billion, defects in construction which resulted in the 'ponding' issue continue to occur in the new terminal;

2. Disclose the list of contractors and sub-contractors and the criteria for awarding the RM4 billion contract; and if protocols and standard operation procedures were followed.

3. Release the breakdown of the repairs for the 'ponding' issue amounting to RM76.5 million;

4. Reveal measures put in place to deal with errant contractors and publicise what penalties were imposed on such contractors;

5. Publicise the independent audit committee report, set up in January to probe safety issues surrounding KLIA2.