A-G Report: Education Ministry bungled RM2bil schools' security contracts

File picture of a security guard at a school.

PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry has spent more than RM2billion on private security to safeguard schools across the nation but results appear to be unsatisfactory, according to the Auditor-General’s (A-G) 2012 Report. 

The Ministry has thus far spent RM2.051bil, which is 55.65% of the RM3.689bil budget allocated from 2010 to 2012.

The report cited the poor execution of security services with no monitoring at entry and exit points at school premises, insufficient guards, and guard who were either too old or failed to present adequate health and background security checks.

The report also noted that the ministry approved contracts without having first received the implementation bonds.

In its audit, which involved 35 schools in Selangor, Perlis and Sabah, auditors found that the contracts were not uniformed and did not state specific requirements set by the Education Ministry.

This includes the implementation of a watchman clock system, ensuring that two security guards are on duty at any one time and specifications for the CCTV and alarm system.

Additionally, 19 of the 35 facilities visited had improper exit/entrance surveillance and members of the public were entering and leaving the premises freely.

The Star Online

Tuesday October 1 2013.