PAC: Govt may need to pay Bestinet RM3.22b

The government may have to fork out RM3.22 billion in payment to Bestinet Sdn Bhd due to issues related to the RM215 fee (per migrant worker) imposed for the Epass (work permit).

The Public Accounts Committee in its report said it had found the fee to be higher compared to an earlier agreement, which only indicated that each migrant worker would cost RM100.

“It is also higher than the rate approved by the Public-Private Partnership Unit under the Prime Minister’s Department, which was RM86 and the company only asked for RM120.

“So based on RM215 per person charge, multiply it with number of migrant workers in Malaysia (2.5 million) and multiply it again with six years (annual payment), it would come up to RM3.22 billion,” the report reads.

The report also said it was regrettable that while the initial agreement indicated there would be no costs incurred on the government, the situation now shows Putrajaya has to fork out a hefty sum for the next six years.

“This agreement favours the company too much although the firm has waived RM1.572 billion in payment.

“Therefore, PAC urges the Home Ministry to ensure any future information and communication technologies procurement must be based on existing regulations enforced by the National Digital Department,” it added.

Govt yet to receive extradition request for Bestinet founder

Home Ministry confirms Bangladesh's request to detain ex-Bestinet founder

MACC nabs Bangladeshi 'Datuk' over alleged migrant worker scam

Workers recruitment: 3 M'sians named in Bangladesh police report

Tengku Muda Pahang resigns as Bestinet director

Bestinet allegedly collecting 'medical' fee 2 years after contract lapse