KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 17): Serdang member of parliament Ong Kian Ming has questioned the award of solar farm projects to three companies which have no prior experience in solar installations.
Ong noted Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) had earlier early this month announced it has inked power purchase agreements with three special purpose companies (SPCs) that were set up by a consortium of three private companies to build three 50 megawatt (MW) solar farms in Jasin in Melaka, Gurun in Kedah and Merchang in Terengganu.
The SPCs were set up by the consortium comprising ItraMAS Technology, Maltech Pro Sdn Bhd and Cam-Lite Sdn Bhd.
"None of the three companies in the consortium seems to have any experience in solar installation," Ong told a press conference at Parliament lobby today.
"Given the lack of track record, why are they awarded this contract? Especially when there are many other more qualified companies bidding for solar farm projects," he questioned.
He said the total value of the power purchase agreements is not known.
"I call upon the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) to allow the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) to conduct an open tender for these solar farm projects, to ensure transparency," he added.
According to Ong, Maltech Pro is in the mobile applications, devices and equipment business. In 2012, the company reportedly sold the first Malaysian-made computer tablet — 1Malaysia Pad — at RM999.
"In addition, the shareholders of Maltech Pro Sdn Bhd also raise concerns. The company's executive chairman, Sohaimi Shahadan, who owns 35% of the company, is a member of the Umno supreme council.
"Ahmad Zaffry Sulaiman, who owns 20% stake, is an Umno leader in Shah Alam," he noted.
Meanwhile, Ong said Cam-Lite is involved in trading of electronic products and Itramas has three core businesses, namely intelligent transportation systems, security and surveillance and LED lighting products.
Each of the companies will construct, own, operate and maintain a solar photovoltaic energy generating facility, with a capacity of 50MW alternate current at its specified location.