Misunderstanding and lack of skill in procedure and legislation have resulted in the Alliance Steel (M) Sdn Bhd in Taman Industri Kuantan Malaysia China (MCKIP) being involved in an alleged water theft valued at more than RM500,000.
Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh said the company had admitted its mistake and paid the bill of RM513,475.70 and deposit payment for pipe installation worth RM610,560 to Pengurusan Air Pahang Berhad (PAIP).
"What had happened was a misunderstanding because of the mindset of the investor who was not familiar with the work style and environment in Malaysia and bringing a different work culture, which might have differing standards in China.
"A misunderstanding which might be due to the mistake of the previous state government which was not firm in legal matters and procedures which should be adhered to by everyone without exception,” she said.
Fuziah said this at a media conference after attending a meeting with the management of Alliance Steel, here today, which was attended by the Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin Abdullah, state assemblyperson for Teruntum Sim Chon Siang and state assemblyperson for Semambu Lee Chean Chun.
Meanwhile, Alliance Steel was represented by its deputy project commander Steve Hu and lawyer Jason Ng Kau who also acted as the official spokesperson for the company.
Jason stressed that the company had no intention to steal the water and had made a full payment of the water used by the company on May 18, a day after receiving a letter from PAIP, demanding for the payment.
"We are committed towards upholding and complying with the law and disagrees with all allegations involving water theft. As one of the major investors in MCKIP, we are committed to our key role towards the development of bilateral investment cooperation between China and Malaysia.
"With such a huge investment at hand, we would not risk committing any illegal practice such as the present misunderstanding that may tarnish our image. We are looking forward to continue working with all relevant authorities to avoid such an incident from reoccurring," he said.
Regarding allegations that the company had failed to comply with the specification of 600mm water meter that was directed by PAIP, Jason said they had received permission to use two 300mm water meters as a temporary water supply to the premises.
He noted that Suramas Perunding Sdn Bhd, an engineering consultant hired by Alliance Steel had made the application to use the 300mm Elsther water meter on April 3 which PAIP approved on May 18.
- Bernama
