KUALA LUMPUR: Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil has called for an official probe to be carried out into claims that the ownership of KL Tower was transferred from Telekom Malaysia to a company, Hydroshoppe Sdn Bhd.
The alleged deal between the two companies was said to have taken place just before the 15th General Election.
He said as the new Minister appointed to head the ministry, he welcomes an investigation into the deal involving the iconic KL Tower and anyone who may have been involved in its sale.
"I was made aware of the matter recently and have ordered for an internal briefing by Telekom Malaysia as well as the ministry, itself. I also welcome an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on the matter," he told the New Straits Times, adding that he had, in the meantime asked for some basic information on the matter from TM.
Fahmi, however, is unaware whether any report has been lodged thus far.
In a statement later, he said he had been briefed on the matter by ministry officers on Dec 14 and would be meeting with TM on Jan 3.
"I view this as a serious issue. I was made to understand that the management concession for KL Tower is now in its third interim period until Dec 31, 2022, by Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd.
"The ministry is monitoring this very closely and is ready to give its full cooperation if the relevant authorities deem it necessary to be investigated," he said.
The issue came to light in a Twitter thread by an account by the handle @FreeMsian.
In the thread, the account holder claimed Hydroshoppe was a company with a low paid up capital, yet was involved in a deal which would earn it millions, considering KL Tower was generating RM66 million per annum in revenue pre-pandemic, with net profit touching some RM25 million.
Based on the documents posted on the thread, the company was registered in 2008 and has an office in Kepong and is headed by two local directors.
It remains unknown if the deal had been announced to Bursa Malaysia.