A heated debate has sparked among netizens after a Facebook user began questioning why the 120-metre Selangor State flagpole at Dataran Selangor (Selangor Square) in Kelab Shah Alam Selangor (KSAS) cost less than Sarawak’s flagpole project.
In a Facebook post, a page questioned the logic behind the Ibu Pertiwi flagpole, which was reportedly built at a cost of around RM30 million, almost three times more expensive than Selangor’s.
The Selangor State flagpole project cost RM8.5 million
According to earlier reports, the Selangor Royal Office shared that the construction of the 120-metre flagpole was inspired by the decree of His Majesty the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who wished for a tall and iconic landmark to symbolise pride for the state.
They also clarified that the Selangor State Government approved an allocation of RM8.5 million for the purpose of implementing this project, and has since been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the tallest flagpole in Southeast Asia.
“As a symbol of national unity, His Majesty also agreed that the Jalur Gemilang be flown on the flagpole in conjunction with Independence Day celebrations for 10 days, namely 5 days before 31 August and 5 days after the said date, every year,” they wrote.
Standing at 99.4 metres, the Tiang Ibu Pertiwi project in Sarawak cost RM30 million
Interestingly, before the Selangor flagpole was completed, Sarawak’s slightly shorter flagpole held the title of the tallest in Southeast Asia.
According to Jurutera Jasa (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd, the Tiang Ibu Pertiwi in Dataran Ibu Pertiwi, Kuching, Sarawak, was commissioned by the state government and engineered by KKB Engineering Berhad.
The flagpole was earlier recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the “Tallest Flagpole in Southeast Asia,” with an official height of 99.4 meters.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg also explained that the site of the flagpole boasts amenities such as an English Tea House, offering visitors a unique experience to capture the essence of the state’s history and progress.
The RM30 million project was funded by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), Shell, and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros).
Netizens’ reactions
“In Sarawak, the company that sponsored the flagpole covered the costs, including replacing the flag and landscaping the area; it was not funded by the Sarawak government.”
“It’s not just the cost of the flag, guys. It also includes the surrounding area. They didn’t get everything for free, that’s true. Yes, it’s 99 metres tall, but it’s on a hill, which makes it even higher compared to Selangor’s flagpole built on flat ground, not on a hill.”
“This isn’t public money. It’s from a private company’s donation. Building a flagpole by the river isn’t easy, you know. Don’t think it’s the same as putting one up on flat ground. It requires a lot of piling work, or else there’s a real risk of the ground collapsing.”
“A flagpole costing RM33 million is just unreasonable. Only those who are uneducated would believe that price is true.”
“The Sarawak MACC, please carry out your duties.”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know down in the comments!
Also read: Southeast Asia’s Tallest Flagpole Erected in Shah Alam with a Total Cost of RM8.5 Million
