Penang UMNO has urged Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to come out with the breakdown of payments made to the state's undersea tunnel project concessionaires which had allegedly paid four times higher than the actual cost.

Its state liaison chairman, Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Osman also said he would like Lim to clarify why did the state government paid RM177.5 million in advance without physically check the works that had been carried out.

"We are well aware in Penang that the state government has, from time to time, told that the people are the priority in their actions and agendas. So, UMNO, representing the people, wants explanation from Lim over the early payment.

"The contractors and project consultants have been paid but I was made to understand that it (the project) is being delayed until next year. So, what have they done with such a huge amount?" he asked reporters after presenting Hari Raya goodies to police, prisons, hospitals and highway personnel who would be on duty during the upcoming Aidilfitri, here Thursday.

Prior to this, Barisan Nasional Strategic Communications director Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan had given the state government a week to explain over the project's consultation fees for three major road projects of the tunnel project.

Zainal Abidin said the Penang government should have engaged the service of the Public Works Department (JKR) which has the expertise, high-professionalism and skills to give consultations on road or tunnel works.

"Why must appoint consultants when the JKR is there for initial works. If the state government is not happy with the works by JKR, then they can appoint additional consultants.

The thing is JKR had not been appointed or consulted at all to contribute its expertise for the project," he added.

-- BERNAMA