There are some issues of ineffectiveness, weaknesses and non-compliance in managing programmes, projects and activities, according to the Auditor-General’s report.

Auditor-General highlights issues on weaknesses, ineffectiveness in managing projects

(July 15): Budget constraints are causing over a fifth of the Rumah Keluarga Angkatan Tentera (RKAT) homes to be unfit for occupation, forcing thousands of armed forces personnel to seek pricier homes elsewhere for their families, according to an audit finding.

As of Dec 2018, 12,261 (22.5%) of existing 54,497 RKAT units in 100 locations nationwide are unfit for occupation either due to damages, lack of maintenance, or safety reasons. Another 2,212 had been renovated for other purposes.

That leaves only 40,024 or 73.4% RKAT units occupied, noted the Auditor-General 2018 Report Series 1, released today.

Funding shortage sends army housing into spiral of disrepair

(July 15): The construction of the Perlis Sports School (SSM Perlis) has been delayed for nearly five years since it was first approved under the 9th Malaysia Plan, says the Auditor General's Report 2018 Series 1.

Worse, the government's attempt to revive the botched construction is again facing delays, as the contract was given to the same contractor that undertook the project originally, the report said.

The audit suggested that the failure to complete the Phase 1 project was due to “the appointment of the incompetent contractor for the construction work and the reappointment of the same contractor to complete the abandoned project of Phase 1 of SSM Perlis”.

Incompetent contractor reappointed to complete abandoned sports school project 

(July 15): The emergency and trauma department (ETD) at Malaysian hospitals are understaffed, overcrowded, underfunded and do not have enough equipment to provide proper levels of care.

The latest audit report by the National Audit Department also flagged the issue with funding for ETD, which it deemed “insufficient”.

“The provision of financial allocation which is insufficient, may affect the ETD’s service efficiency,” the audit report released today stated.

Audit finds Malaysian hospitals understaffed, underfunded and overcrowded

(July 15): Only a tenth of the budget allocated for the ‘Film in Malaysia Incentive’ or FIMI went to local filmmakers from 2016 up to Aug 2018, with lack of domestic promotion of the incentive affecting participation from the local industry.

The actual impact from the incentives to the creative industry also could not be gauged, because there was no outcome evaluation, according to the Auditor-General 2018 Report Series 1.

The FIMI programme was managed by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), an agency under the Multimedia and Communications Ministry.

Foreign filmmakers benefited more from filming incentives than locals

(July 15): Unused research and development (R&D) funds totalling RM31.66 million held by Akademi Sains Malaysia (ASM) have yet to be returned to the government, according to Auditor-General’s Report 2018 Series 1. 

An audit conducted between November 2017 and April 2018 found the amount was not utilised by the previous government during the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011-2015) period as intended, the report said. 

“The balance of the unused funds was kept by ASM and was not distributed to other applicants, thus failing to provide benefits for the intended purpose,” it said.

Science Academy yet to return RM31.66m unused funds to govt

Fraudulent approvals were found in the existing Malaysia Immigration System (MyIMMs) for foreign workers quota through manipulation.

In the findings of the Federal Ministries/Departments section under the Auditor General's Report 2018 series 1, audit analysis results showed a quota of 32,424 foreign workers was created and approved to 123 employers, as well as first-time levy payments amounting to RM40.79 million were done in an unorganised and dubious manner.

Suspected fraud found in MyIMMs system, to be replaced by new system

(July 15): A radar facility that only went operational almost three years after its original completion deadline, had posed risks to national security.

The project, awarded for an original contract value of RM289.8 million via direct negotiation, saw four extensions of time (EOT) totalling 602 days, according to the Auditor-General 2018 Report.

While the project was completed in Oct 2017, it was not operational until January this year, the report said, due to delays in relocating radar equipment to the site.

National security found at risk due to operational delay of RM290m radar faciltity

Malaysia's Auditor-General Datuk Nik Azman Nik Abdul Majid said spot audits or checks on government entities' financial management during 2018 showed that compliance with financial rules is "still unsatisfactory".

Spot checks show financial compliance 'unsatisfactory' among govt entities

The Malaysian government lost out on a total of RM4.89 billion worth of excise duty on completely-knocked-down (CKD) vehicles from 2015 to 2017 due to the various types of exemptions, including for State Assemblymen, Members of Parliament, embassies, and the government.

Govt lost out on RM4.89b excise duty on CKD cars from 2015 to 2017

More than a quarter of the funds allocated to the 1Malaysia Training Scheme (SL1M) were invested by TalentCorp without the knowledge of the scheme's secretariat.

"SL1M is not informed of any investment using the SL1M Program provision by TalentCorp," according to the findings of the Federal Ministries/Departments 2018 section under the auditor general's report 2018 series 1, adding that the actual progress of the scheme in connecting unemployed graduates to jobs remains unclear.

SL1M's budget invested without its knowledge

Malaysia's Auditor-General Datuk Nik Azman Nik Abdul Majid said that during 2018, a total of 16 out of 24 ministries achieved the "excellent" level under the National Audit Department's accountability index assessment while eight were rated "good".

16 of 24 ministries rated 'excellent' under accountability index assessment

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) spent RM12.81 million on special projects unrelated to its mandate of regulating the communications industry from 2016 up to April 2018.

Audit finds MCMC funds used for Najib's books, among others

The state customs has overpaid a total of RM41.4 million in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) subsidies claim from 2015 to 2017.

According to the activities of the Federal Ministries/Departments 2018 section under the auditor general's report 2018 series 1, the overpayment is due to a claim submitted to the Treasury without the approval of the State Customs Director (PKN).

State customs overpaid RM41.4m in LPG subsidies in three years

The legal counsel for Segambut Member of Parliament Hannah Yeoh has filed an appeal in the Court of Appeal on Thursday challenging the High Court's decision to dismiss her defamation suit against former inspector general of police Tan Sri Musa Hassan.

Hannah Yeoh appeals dismissal of defamation suit against ex-IGP

Here is a brief recap of the business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Thursday.

TNB, Samaiden, Gadang, Aizo, MyMBN, YTL Power, Kawan Renergy, Taghill, BHIC, Teck Guan, CCK, Lebtech, Southern Cable

Wall Street's main indexes drifted lower in light trading volumes on Thursday, as rising yields pressured some shares, while investors looked for a year-end boost from the so-called Santa Claus rally.

Wall Street slips as rising yields pressure some shares 

Azerbaijan Airlines’ Embraer SA 190 aircraft was damaged by Russian air defence systems near Grozny before it crashed in Kazakhstan during an attempted emergency landing, according to Azerbaijan government-backed Caliber news website.

Azeri plane hit by Russian air defence before crash — report

YTL Power International Bhd (KL:YTLPOWR) said on Thursday that the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has once again ceased to be a substantial shareholder in the multi-utility owner and operator after offloading 14.93 million shares.

EPF ceases to be substantial shareholder in YTL Power

Keyfield International Bhd (KL:KEYFIELD) has issued its maiden RM200 million Islamic bonds (sukuk) under its sukuk wakalah programme of RM1 billion.

Keyfield International issues maiden RM200m sukuk

The Taiping High Court has awarded RM1.8 million in damages to a former security guard who sustained a brain injury due to medical negligence during treatment following a motorcycle accident in 2016.

Court awards RM1.8 mil to ex-security guard over medical negligence

EVENING 5: Base electricity tariff for 2025-2027 to be adjusted upward, says TNB

Finnish authorities said they had boarded and taken control on Thursday of an oil tanker travelling from Russia, on suspicion it had caused the outage on Wednesday of an undersea power cable and three internet lines connecting Finland and Estonia.

Finland boards oil tanker after internet and power cable outages

Recurring applications for US unemployment benefits rose to the highest in more than three years, adding to signs that it is taking longer for out-of-work people to find a job.

US continuing claims rise to highest in more than three years

Peninsular Malaysia's base electricity tariff has been set at 45.62 sen per kilowatt hour (kWh) in the three-year regulatory period 2025-2027 (RP4), said Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) (KL:TENAGA).&nbsp;

TNB announces higher base electricity tariff for 2025-2027, raises capex to ensure reliable supply

Tenaga Nasional Bhd (KL:TENAGA) said on Thursday that its unit has been shortlisted by the Energy Commission (EC) to develop a 500-megawatt (MWac) large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Kuala Muda, Kedah.

TNB among LSS5 winners, bags 500MW solar farm project in Kedah

Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd (KL:BHIC) has appointed former Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief Tan Sri Roslan Saad as its independent non-executive chairman.

Boustead Heavy Industries names ex-air force chief as chairman

Here is a brief recap of the business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Thursday.

Bird's nest processor MyMBN Bhd (KL:MBN) said the government has imposed a temporary suspension on the export of bird's nest products to China following the discovery of the Newcastle disease in Malaysia.

MyMBN says bird's nest exports to China suspended due to Newcastle disease

CCK Consolidated Holdings Bhd (KL:CCK), a retail chain store and supermarket operator in Sabah and Sarawak, has declared its first-ever special dividend of five sen per share for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2024 (FY2024), payable Jan 22, 2025.

CCK Consolidated declares first-ever special dividend of five sen

YTL Power International Bhd (KL:YTLPOWR) said on Thursday that the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has once again ceased to be a substantial shareholder in the multi-utility owner and operator after offloading 14.93 million shares.&nbsp;

Here’s a quick look at some of the stories that made headlines today.

EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

Teck Guan Perdana Bhd (KL:TECGUAN) said its third quarter net profit fell 34.3% to RM2.39 million from RM3.64 million a year ago, on lower revenue and a net loss on forward currency contracts amounting to RM4.33 million.

Teck Guan's 3Q net profit falls 34% on lower revenue, loss on forward currency contracts

Kawan Renergy Bhd co-founder and managing director Lim Thou Lai has pared his stake in the ACE Market-listed engineering services firm to 67.03%.

Kawan Renergy MD Lim Thou Lai trims stake to 67%

Finnish authorities said they had boarded and taken control on Thursday of an oil tanker travelling from Russia, on suspicion it had caused the outage on Wednesday of an undersea power cable and three internet lines connecting Finland and Estonia.

The legal counsel for Segambut Member of Parliament Hannah Yeoh has filed an appeal in the Court of Appeal on Thursday challenging the High Court's decision to dismiss her defamation suit against former inspector general of police Tan Sri Musa Hassan.

Taghill Holdings Bhd (KL:TAGHILL), formerly known as Siab Holdings Bhd, said on Thursday that its wholly owned unit has received an adjudication claim from its subcontractor, seeking to recover an outstanding amount of RM2.59 million.

Taghill unit faces adjudication claim from subcontractor

The Taiping High Court has awarded RM1.8 million in damages to a former security guard who sustained a brain injury due to medical negligence during treatment following a motorcycle accident in 2016.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) aims to focus on eradicating corruption in procurement, enforcement and grand corruption to help the country's economy, reduce leakages and return misappropriated national assets and money next year.

MACC sets sights on 'grand corruption', to revamp structure in 2025 — Azam Baki

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) recommends that regular maintenance be mandatory for all heavy vehicles with strict supervision by the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom) to ensure they are roadworthy.

Strict enforcement, heavy fines against heavy vehicles failing to comply with safety standards, says Niosh

The Malaysian Bar on Thursday urged the Terengganu state government and the federal government to reconsider public caning practices by reviewing and amending laws that permit such punishments to ensure they are proportionate, rehabilitative and respectful of human dignity.

Terengganu state govt, Putrajaya urged to review practice of public caning 

Keyfield International Bhd (KL:KEYFIELD) has issued its maiden RM200 million Islamic bonds (sukuk) under its sukuk wakalah programme of RM1 billion.

Türkiye’s central bank lowered interest rates for the first time in almost two years after consumer inflation showed signs of easing and said that future easing steps would depend on price data.

The bank’s Monetary Policy Committee, led by governor Fatih Karahan, on Thursday cut its one-week repo rate to 47.5% from 50%, after keeping it on hold for eight months in a row.

Türkiye lowers main rate to 47.5% in first cut since 2023

Wall Street's main indexes drifted lower in light trading volumes on Thursday, as rising yields pressured some shares, while investors looked for a year-end boost from the so-called Santa Claus rally.

AG's Report 2018

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AG's Report 2018

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