Parit Buntar MP Mujahid Yusof Rawa claimed there were signs of financial mismanagement in the RM738.9 million project.

“I was informed that vendors are demanding outstanding payments that have yet to be settled, causing the construction of the OPVs to be delayed,” he said in a statement.

“I demand that the PAC conduct an investigation into the various elements of possible financial mismanagement in the project.”

Mujahid added that the investigation must be expedited to ensure the safety of the country’s waters.

Earlier today, MMEA director-general Zubil Mat Som said the OPVs were still under construction by a local company, THHE Destini Sdn Bhd, in Pulau Indah, Selangor.

He said the Covid-19 pandemic had contributed to the delay in the delivery of the vessels to MMEA, adding that the launch of OPV 1, which had been scheduled for today, could not be carried out because it could not be brought to the location yet.

The launch of OPV 1 had been rescheduled to Oct 10 and the vessel would be handed over to MMEA early next year, Zubil said. OPV 2 and OPV 3 would be handed over in stages, he added.

Earlier this month, Mujahid had made a similar call for the PAC to investigate the project.

He had questioned the government for awarding the contract via direct negotiation to Tabung Haji Heavy Engineering Bhd, which had no prior experience in building ships.