Sec-gens from four ministries to explain irregularities in AG’s report, says PAC

KUALA LUMPUR: Secretaries-general from four ministries will be called in to explain irregularities highlighted in the Auditor-General's Report 2021 Series 2, says the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Its chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said the ministries involved were the Health Ministry, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry.

“The science and health ministries will be called in on June 15 to explain the 1.1 million vaccine doses that expired as of April 30, 2022; the 93 out of 106 ventilators obtained at the time but could not be used; and the 2.2% and 3.1% usage rate of boot covers and protective suits,” she told a press conference in Parliament on Thursday (June 8).

The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry secretary-general would be called in on June 14 to explain irregularities in receiving monetary funds and other payments, she said.

“This includes the RM37mil loss in public funds due to the 2021 obligation fund having yet to be received, unorganised payments worth RM0.73mil to deceased farmers, through padi price subsidy scheme payments and RM0.87mil wasted on machinery that had not been used or unable to function,” she said.

Felcra Bhd’s fiscal position was also unable to be determined as their Audited Financial Statements for 2019, 2020 and 2022 have yet to be finalised, she revealed.

“The Treasury and Rural and Regional Development Ministry secretary-general as well as the Felcra chief executive officer will be called in on June 27 for this proceeding,” she said.

The PAC will also be getting a briefing on the Jana Wibawa programme by the Finance Ministry, Mas Ermieyati added.

On the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) issue, Mas Ermieyati said the PAC would be conducting a site visit to the Royal Malaysian Navy base in Lumut, Perak and begin proceedings.

“We will also be presenting reports on the LCS’ progress in the Dewan Rakyat every three months.

“The report this time will touch on progress from October 2022 to May 2023,” she said.

She added that the PAC would be holding press conferences every Thursday during the current Parliament term.