AUDIT REPORT The overall management of security services at 59 schools audited last year were found to be unsatisfactory.

This was according to findings from a federal audit conducted between July and October last year, as recorded in the first series of the Auditor-General’s Report 2015.

Among the identified weaknesses include:

1. A proposal for all security guards to undergo a mandatory urine test was excluded from their employment contract;

2. A requirement for all security guards to perform ‘clocking’ (check-in at identified locations at a stipulated time) was not enforced;

3. Security guards were not equipped or equipped with malfunctioning equipments, including walkie-talkies, flash lights and watchman clocks. The audit also found security companies that installed malfunctioning close-circuit cameras and alarm system; and

4. A total of RM0.18 million in fines or deduction from total payment were not collected from security companies that failed to fulfil terms under its contracts.

In coming up with its findings, the National Audit Department had analysed data from the security contracts, as well as conducted interviews with relevant personnel at all levels of implementation.

The visits to 59 schools were conducted to personally observe security company’s adherence to the terms of its contracts.

A total of 947 contracts valued at RM2.858 billion were awarded for a two-year period between 2013 and 2015, according to the audit report.

It further stated that the government had utilised 95.7 percent or RM3.051 billion of its total allocations, during the same period of time, for payments to the appointed companies.

The payments - for services provided at over 10,000 schools nationwide - were disbursed through the state education departments.

Ministry’s follow-up commendable

The report, meanwhile, also commended the Education Ministry for follow-up actions taken based on its 2012 audit findings and further recommendations by the Public Accounts Committee.

There are only four out of 18 recommendations which has yet to be implemented, including for a pre-qualification screening on companies identified to bid for security contracts.

The Education Ministry in its response cited a government circular which required contracts to be awarded through an open tender, in the event that there were more than 10 companies eligible to bid for the tender.

The pre-screening process, the ministry said, could only be implemented for contracts awarded through limited tender.

It also reassured that steps have been taken to address concerns of one security company being awarded “too many” contracts.