KUALA LUMPUR: The RM129mil the government spent on Phase One of the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Programme (PRAB) was not worth the cost due to accuracy issues, says the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Its chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said based on the PAC’s proceedings, PRAB’s accuracy in measuring and predicting flood water levels regarding when and where floods will occur is not 100% accurate.
The PAC met on Jan 16 with representatives from the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, Meteorological Department, and Irrigation and Drainage Department.
“In the proceedings, PAC was informed that the estimated amount allocated to develop PRAB Phases 1, 2, and 3 was RM1.065bil.
“PAC wants the balanced development for PRAB Phase 2 and Phase 3 to be completed according to time, cost, quality and provision that has been set to fulfil PRAB’s goal, which is to provide flood forecasting and warning services that are effective and efficient to the public,” she added.
Mas Ermieyati said the PAC also found that although the total amount of Liquidated Ascertained Damages was paid through the deduction of contractor progress payments, delays in the PRAB system installation should not happen because it affects the social life and economy of people affected by floods.
She said the PAC proceedings also found weaknesses in project management, which caused delays in the work at the Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang river basins.
Mas Ermieyati added that the PAC will have follow-up proceedings on PRAB in two months.
