Minister explains RM30 million repair bill for PM’s official residence

Special Functions Minister Abd Latiff Ahmad today said that some RM38.5 million allocated for the restoration of the prime minister’s official residence included the cost of replacing the electrical wiring system and fixing leaks in the roof of the Seri Perdana complex.

He said the complex was in need of repairs given that it was 22 years old.

“This project was approved on March 19 and work began on March 29. It is expected to be complete by Dec 7.

“As of today, the restoration work is 74% complete compared to 71% in the schedule,” he said in a statement today.

He was commenting on an oral question raised by Mahfuz Omar (PH-Pokok Sena) in the Dewan Rakyat on Sept 27.

He said the written answer was from him as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and not from Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The issue of repairs to the Seri Perdana complex entered the spotlight after the government revealed that RM30 million had been set aside for this purpose.

According to the written response, the repairs were to uphold the country’s image when welcoming foreign guests at official programmes as well as for safety factors.

The Seri Perdana complex, construction of which began in 1997, was completed in 1999.

In 2006, repair work was done and the security system replaced at a cost of RM20 million.