THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has confirmed that a detailed report will be prepared to explain delays in disbursing the RM320 million federal allocation for water projects in Sabah.
PAC chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin stated that although specific details could not be disclosed due to procedural restrictions, the issue would be thoroughly addressed in the upcoming report.
“Yes, we will elaborate on that in the report. I can only provide a general overview as we are still in the procedural phase,” she said.
“Under Standing Order 85, we cannot disclose any information gathered during the proceedings, but I can provide a general summary,” she told reporters in Kota Kinabalu.
The PAC recently held two proceedings on national water management and rural projects in Sabah and Sarawak, and brought in the Sabah PAC to improve oversight of the forthcoming report.
The committee also conducted a fact-finding visit to Sandakan and Tawau ahead of the proceedings.
The RM320 million federal allocation, announced in June 2023, was intended to fund six short-term programmes involving 20 projects across districts including Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Tawau.
However, bureaucratic hurdles and delays in the procurement process have prevented the funds from being utilised.
Tenders were expected to be called in mid-2024, but additional documentation needs to be completed before the funds can be released.
During its fact-finding mission, PAC has already identified several issues, particularly in Sandakan and Tawau.
Sandakan MP Vivian Wong highlighted disorganised management of water treatment plants and the hiring of multiple consultants, but noted that water problems in her constituency remain unresolved.
Wong who is also a PAC member specifically cited issues at the Segaliud and Hilltop Water Treatment Plants. – October 3, 2024
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