THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has strongly criticised the government for its lack of progress in the RM1 bil national flood forecasting and warning programme (PRAB).
In a statement issued today, PAC chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin slammed the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry as well as the irrigation and drainage department, for failing to meet the requirements for the RM129 mil first phase of the programme.
“The ministry and the department need to ensure that they carry out immediate remote terminal unit replacements at 79 out of 118 flood warning stations.
“This is to ensure that the PRAB functions perfectly,” she said in a statement today.
Moreover, she pointed out the importance of considering technological advancements and addressing project delays in all planned contracts.
“The ministry and the department need to complete phases 2 and 3 of PRAB on time and within budget, ensuring good quality, regular maintenance, and proper protection for station equipment,” she noted, adding that the total cost of the project was RM1.07 bil.
Furthermore, PAC has given the ministry a two-month window before calling for a follow-up, during which they expect significant action to be taken.
These comments come in the wake of a PAC meeting on Jan 16, during which the committee deemed the RM129 mil spent on phase 1 of PRAB unjustified due to inaccuracies in flood forecasting and reporting flood water levels.
“Delays in the installation of the PRAB system should not have occurred, given the social and economic impact on the lives of those affected by floods,” Mas further added. – March 20, 2024
