Private companies kept in the dark

Private companies kept in the dark

StarMetro spoke to two former private operators who were previously based in Putrajaya.

“Several years ago, we were approached to manage one of the parks based on a non-profit approach. The authorities also wanted a service-oriented operation keen on educating Malaysians on the importance of nature. Local authorities are known to lack resources so the management of parks in Putrajaya was initially outsourced. In addition, as part of our corporate social responsibility, we were asked to absorb certain costs,” said one of the individuals who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The other individual, who managed a leisure operations, said the local authority wanted private operators to charge a nominal sum when maintenance and other costs could not be recouped yet.

“Costs can only be balanced once Putrajaya is sustainable and fully developed in 2012. Till then, certain charges need to be imposed to meet at least some of the utility bills,” he stressed.

They also claimed Putrajaya Corporation acted in a highhanded manner when their contracts ended and did not entertain any correspondence from the operators who were instead told to pack up and leave with scant notice.

According to another source, the company currently managing another park is also being kept in the dark as to whether its contract would be renewed.