PETALING JAYA: The Public Accounts Committee has urged the economy ministry, the rural and regional development ministry and state governments to develop a master plan for the rural water supply project (BALB) to ensure safe and high-quality water to rural areas.
PAC chairman Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said this was among seven recommendations submitted after three proceedings on the project were held in Sabah and Sarawak since July 24, Bernama reported.
The other recommendations include strengthening project management methods and ensuring proactive, continuous coordination among the rural and regional development ministry, the state governments and relevant agencies to keep the project on schedule.
“The rural and regional development ministry must also ensure state water authorities submit standard operating procedures for scheduled prevention and recovery plans before the project is handed over to the state government.
“In addition, it should allocate funds under the project for the installation of water tanks and meters for underprivileged residents,” she said in Parliament today.
Mas Ermieyati said the PAC also called for an update on efforts to switch from generator-powered water supply to metered systems at 15 treatment plants, to be monitored by the PAC and the state governments.
During the proceedings, including one held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, the committee summoned several key witnesses, including the auditor-general and deputy auditor-general, the ministry’s secretary-general, the Sarawak BALB department director and the Sabah water department director.
She said the PAC identified several weaknesses, including the absence of a comprehensive master plan and preventive and conservation plans, and poor inter-agency coordination.
Separately, Mas Ermieyati announced that the second public hearing on rising health insurance premiums and private hospital charges will be held at Parliament tomorrow morning.
She said nine proceedings have been planned to gather feedback.
Witnesses to be called include representatives from the finance ministry, Bank Negara Malaysia and the health ministry.
