Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd, the main contractor in the controversial Penang undersea tunnel project, today said it would initiate defamation suits against parties who speculate or spread "fake news" about the firm or the project.

In a statement, the company's board of directors said this was following the firm and the tunnel project having been made the subject of political talk by "irresponsible parties" lately.

"As an apolitical business entity, Zenith respects constructive criticisms which are given in good faith, based on actuals facts and figures.

'However, it is regrettable that politically-motivated allegations were relentlessly and unjustly hurled at Zenith by irresponsible parties," it said.

"Such allegations, which were prejudiced and cannot be substantiated, have invariably cast doubts on the project. Zenith intends to uphold facts and the truth of the project.

"Zenith reiterates that any speculation, insinuation or aspersions upon Zenith or the project by any parties are deemed as defamatory. Zenith shall initiate defamation suits against such parties who spread fake news and false information about Zenith and/or the project through media platforms, including social media and other channels," read the statement.

The company stressed that it had been awarded the tunnel project through an open tender, and reaffirmed its commitment to move ahead with the construction phase of the project.

"Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Zenith is committed to ensuring the full delivery of the project to our client."

Corruption probe

The RM6.3 billion tunnel project and Zenith have been the subject of a major probe by MACC following allegations of corruption.

It was revealed that an individual with a 'datuk seri’ title had allegedly received RM19 million purportedly to end MACC’s probe into the project.

Encompassing 10.53km of the North Coastal road from Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang, the project includes a 5.7km Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Highway bypass, as well as the 4.075km Persiaran Gurney-Tun Lim Chong Eu highway bypass.

The project also includes the construction of a 7.2km undersea tunnel connecting Persiaran Gurney on the island to Bagan Ajam in Seberang Perai.