Putrajaya has been urged to divulge details on TNB's deal with a solar power consortium, including the value of the project and reasons for choosing those firms.

Serdang MP Ong Kian Ming claimed that all three firms in the consortium do not appear to have any experience in the solar power industry and that there was a lack of transparency on the deal.

According to TNB's filing with Bursa Malaysia, the three companies are Itramas Technology Sdn Bhd, Maltechpro Sdn Bhd and Cam-Lite Sdn Bhd.

Ong said Maltech Pro, which came up with the 1Malaysia tablet computer in 2012, lists its core business as "mobile applications, devices and equipment", based on its Companies Commission records.

"In addition, the shareholders of Maltechpro Sdn Bhd also raise concerns. Sohaimi Shahadan, who owns 35 percent of the company is a member of the Umno supreme council.

"Ahmad Zaffry Sulaiman, who owns 20 percent of the company, is an Umno leader in Shah Alam.

"Was this one of the considerations when this 150MW solar farm award was given to this consortium?" asked Ong.

No track record

Meanwhile, public records show that Cam-Lite was in the business of "trading in electronic products" and posted a revenue of RM131,359 for the year ending 2012, with a profit of RM1,397.

Both Maltechpro and Cam-Lite do not appear to have a website, said Ong.

The third company, Itramas Technology, states on its website that it has experience in "implementing large-scale public projects for the government in advanced engineering and green technology sectors", primarily in LED technology.

"Given the lack of track record of these companies (in the solar power industry), why were they awarded this contract?

"What is the value of the PPA which they signed with TNB?" asked Ong.

According to TNB's filing, the power purchase agreement (PPA) was signed with Quantum Solar Park (Melaka) Sdn Bhd, Quantun Solar Park (Kedah) Sdn Bhd and Quantum Solar Park (Terengganu) Sdn Bhd, which are owned by the consortium.

Each solar plant, with a 50MW capacity, is expected to begin commercial operations on Dec 31, 2017. The PPA period is for 21 years. The rates were not disclosed.

According to a report by The Star, the contract was awarded on a directly-negotiated basis.

Malaysiakini has requested comments from Sohaimi and is waiting for a reply. Attempts to reach Itramas and Cam-Lite through telephone were unsuccessful.