“Our investigation shows no indication of any corruption or malpractice in the project,” the MACC said in a statement.

It added that experts have certified that “belian” timber was indeed used for the construction of the wooden jetty.

When contacted, MACC senior director Hishamuddin Hashim confirmed the matter but declined to elaborate on the investigation and the findings.

Yesterday, the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) sought to address the uproar over the construction of the wooden jetty.

JKR said the estimated cost took into account various factors, including cost of the “belian” timber, road access to Kampung Mutap, logistics and safety.

It said the cost to build the jetty was based on its schedule of rates for 2020, with the “belian” timber used for the construction priced at RM9,000 per metre cube. This was lower than the current market rate, it said.

JKR was responding to criticism on social media, with many questioning the quality of the construction, and alleging cronyism.

These netizens claimed the jetty could be constructed for far less, with some quoting as little as RM5,000 based on their own calculations.

JKR said it first proposed a steel jetty but the village chief preferred the use of “belian” timber instead.