Parti Warisan has called for individuals responsible for alleged corruption in the failed pipeline projects to face prosecution if investigations establish wrongdoing.

Warisan Kota Kinabalu information chief Chen Ket Chuin said financial restructuring must not replace individual accountability, eight years after the controversial projects were exposed.

He was responding to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s statement that investigations into the Multi-Product Pipeline (MPP) and Trans-Sabah Gas Pipeline (TSGP) projects were still ongoing, with reports indicating possible misappropriation.

Chen said the Finance Ministry disclosed in 2018 that about RM8.3 billion, or 88% of the combined contract value, had been paid despite reported average project progress of only about 13%.

The progress figures were then described as unaudited and unverified.

The TSGP was originally planned as a 662km pipeline connecting the Kimanis Gas Terminal on Sabah’s west coast to Sandakan and Tawau, at an estimated cost of RM4.06 billion.

Chen said the project could have helped address Sabah’s energy supply problems, particularly in the east coast, if properly implemented alongside adequate gas supplies and supporting power infrastructure.

He questioned who approved the payment arrangements, authorised the disbursements and was responsible for safeguarding public funds.

Chen acknowledged that Suria Strategic Energy Resources Sdn Bhd (SSER) was fined RM18 million in 2019, but said action against the company alone did not establish whether individuals had committed wrongdoing.

He also welcomed the government’s agreement to repurpose RM5 billion in related loans for the Northern Perak Water Supply Scheme.

However, he said restructuring the loans was different from pursuing those responsible.

“Financial recovery and criminal accountability must proceed together,” he said, adding that the government should recover public funds from individuals where legally possible.

Chen urged the authorities to provide a substantive update on the investigations, including progress made, outstanding obstacles and whether investigation papers had been referred for prosecutorial consideration.

He said the public deserved a clearer explanation of the case rather than repeated assurances that investigations were continuing.

Chen also called for details of the nearly RM5 billion reportedly earmarked for electricity supply and pipeline projects in Sabah, including a breakdown of funding, the projects involved and their implementation timelines.