KUALA LUMPUR: Having tabled its report on the controversial Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will now commence its public inquiry into the troubled double-tracking railway project between Rawang and Ipoh with several site visits before hauling in relevant figures for questioning.

PAC deputy chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw (Kepong-DAP) told reporters at parliament's lobby today that the committee would visit several sites and seek an explanation from rail operator Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) in order to "enhance the effectiveness of implementation".

"We are very unhappy with the double-tracking project. We want to know why there are delays. When there are delays, the cost goes up. It is unacceptable," Tan said.

The 179km railway project was highlighted in the recently released National Audit Report for 2008, which revealed poor project management and several problems resulting in delays and the procurement of extra coaches that were not in step with the development.

The report also suggested that the government may have to bear part of the RM1.14 billion loss incurred.

According to the auditor-general's report, up till December 2008, some RM5.77 billion had been spent to implement the project. This figure is RM1.43 billion, or 32.9%, higher than the value of the original contract of RM4.34 billion.

According to Tan, the project had settled for second-hand diesel trains when it was intended to use electric trains.

The DAP member of parliament also slammed those responsible for the project's failure for showing "backward mentality", drawing comparison with Japan and China which have bullet trains in operation.

Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambrin Buang also attended the PAC meeting  today to assist the committee with preparations for its next probe, Tan said.