Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said it would be easier to sell the commercial building en bloc at the current market price.

“So, I will ask the Felcra chairman and CEO to give a detailed explanation to the PAC to prevent PAC from taking information at face value, as Felcra took out a loan to build this complex.

“If it is not paid off, it will impose a financial burden on Felcra,” he told reporters after chairing a coordination meeting with all state executive councillors in charge of the rural portfolio, here today.

Also present was Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh.

Yesterday, the PAC raised concerns in its report over the proposed sale of the Semarak20 building, which remains unsold.

It is understood that several local and international companies, including from Singapore, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates, have shown interest in purchasing Semarak20 en bloc.

Four companies have reportedly submitted letters of intent to buy but Felcra Properties Sdn Bhd (FPSB) is said to be still awaiting price offers from these parties.

In response to the PAC’s concerns, the rural and regional development ministry said it was committed to ensuring that Felcra and FPSB regularly report on the sales status of the Semarak20 project.

It said these reports would be submitted to its top management through committee meetings to be chaired by the secretary-general or the deputy.