RM20 million for security

With the increasing crime rate nowadays you wouldn't feel safe even in your own toilet.

My house was broken into four times and now I sleep with a very sharp parang beside me. Whoever breaks into my house now will be hudud-ed.

But there's a house in Malaysia where you can feel safe - rumah Pak Lah kat Putrajaya.

Read this to believe:

'RM20mil for security beef-up at Seri Perdana too much'

A veteran opposition MP has asked why the government is spending RM20 million to upgrade the security features of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's official residence, Seri Perdana.

Tan Kok Wai (DAP-Cheras) in his debate on the 2007 Budget said the amount is high.

"I agree the prime minister deserves the best protection but this is just too high," he said.

Tan listed the equipment installed and the work done, which include:

• RM1.32 million for initial works which include mobilisation, workmen, compensation, insurance, clearing of rubbish and coordination;

• RM4.29 million for an anti-terrorist ramp;

• RM3.46 million for CCTV cameras and additional security lightings at the south fencing;

• RM3.88 million for a perimeter intrusion detection system (PIDS);

• RM1.06 million for control room;

• RM900,900 for the south fencing with a PIDS system;

• RM800,000 for feeder pillars and armour fibre cables and trenching;

• RM820,700 for power cables for feeder pillars and trenching;

• RM1.3 million for lightning, earthing, and surge protection systems for feeder pillars and camera poles; and

• RM500,000 for the visitor management system.

He also questioned the logic behind the security upgrade at Sri Perdana, when it was built not so long ago.

• RM600,000 for integrated building security system; and,

• RM623,700 for integrated engineering, training and others.

"So unbelievable" was Tan's respond to the cost involved in refurbishment.

He also questioned why the contract to supply the security equipment was awarded to Tokai Lightning Protection Sdn Bhd, a Shah Alam-based company.

Tan said while most of the security equipment were imported nearly 30% of them were manufactured in Malaysia.

"So why did the cost get so high?" asked.

Tan questioned as to whether there was an open tender exercised for the project and if restricted tender was used, then why was the company in question chosen. [The Sun]

Can I sleep over at your house tonight Pak Lah?

Updated:

Confirmed: Security upgrading at PM’s house costs RM20m
Beh Lih Yi
Sep 21, 06 7:59pm

It is confirmed! Maintenance and replacement works being carried out on the security system at Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s official residence will cost the government RM20 million.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz confirmed the disclosure made by Tan Kok Wai (DAP-Cheras) in a written reply received by the MP today.

“The maintenance and replacement of security system at Seri Perdana costs RM19,570,000,” Nazri said in the reply, a copy of which was obtained by malaysiakini.