KUALA LUMPUR: Despite facing major challenges in feasibility studies and detailed design, the Penang state government advanced the Penang undersea tunnel project to the request for proposal (RFP) stage, the Sessions Court heard.
Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd’s (CZCSB) former director Datuk Zarul Ahmad Mohd Zulkifli testified that the studies faced numerous challenges, “particularly concerning unresolved issues related to shipping routes and ports.”
"There are still many unresolved factors affecting the studies," he said, highlighting the ongoing nature of the work to complete the studies.
During re-examination with Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin on Friday (Feb 28) into the ongoing corruption trial of the Penang undersea tunnel project involving former chief minister Lim Guan Eng, Zarul Ahmad said the challenges were mentioned during a consultancy meeting involving the state government, agencies and his company for the project, Beijing Urban Consortium Group Co. Ltd (BUCG).
Zarul Ahmad was referred to the minutes of the meeting on May 10, 2011, and read out parts of the content, which stated the supposed processes and expected challenges.
"BUCG appointed a consultant to conduct the feasibility studies and detailed design report within three months.
"This consultancy team will comprise experts from Malaysia and China. Once an independent consultant and the state government approve the overall success and design, the RFP documents will be prepared.
"BUCG anticipates difficulties regarding the undersea tunnel construction.
"Therefore, BUCG requests that the state government departments and agencies contribute their opinions in the preparation of the feasibility study to ensure it aligns with planning and is acceptable to the state government.
"The implementation of the project will be carried out by a contractor appointed by the state government in due course," he said.
When asked, Zarul Ahmad said the state government chose to move forward despite these challenges being raised.
Wan Shaharuddin: As early as May 10, 2011, you already mentioned it was challenging. Yet the government proceeded with the RFP?
Zarul Ahmad: Yes.
Wan Shaharuddin: But they included it for the RFP?
Zarul Ahmad: Yes.
Zarul Ahmad, the 23rd prosecution witness, concluded his testimony in court here after 45 days.
He began testifying at the trial on Dec 17, 2021.
Lim, 64, is facing an amended charge of using his position as then Penang chief minister to solicit RM3.3mil in bribes as an inducement to assist Zarul Ahmad in securing the undersea tunnel project worth RM6.34bil.
Lim allegedly committed the offence at the Penang Chief Minister’s Office, Level 28, Komtar, George Town, between January 2011 and August 2017.
In the second amended charge, Lim is accused of soliciting a 10% profit from the company as gratification to secure the project.
The offence was allegedly committed near The Gardens Hotel, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City here, in March 2011.
Lim, who is DAP chairman and Bagan MP, faces two further charges of causing two plots of land worth RM208.8mil, belonging to the Penang government, to be disposed of to two companies linked to the project.
Penang Island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran is expected to be called as the next witness.
The trial before Judge Azura Alwi continues on April 14.
