The Dewan Rakyat was today informed that the amount spent for maintenance on 60 government buildings amounted to RM5.9 million monthly. This, among other snippets today.

RM5.9 million monthly on maintenance

Deputy Works Minister Yong Khoon Seng today revealed in the Dewan Rakyat that the government spends RM5.9 million monthly on the maintenance of 60 government buildings nationwide.

yong khoon seng The cost, said Yong, included among others, the maintenance of elevators, electrical and security systems, general services, internal and external renovation works and cleaning services.

Three private companies have been contracted to perform the maintenance works: Ambang Wira Sdn Bhd for Sarawak and the south zone, Gemilang Maintenance Services Sdn Bhd for Sabah and the north zone and Building Lindungan Sdn Bhd for the east zone.

In the mentioned sequence, each zones cover 24, 21 and 11 government complexes respectively, with contracts lasting 10 years.

Medical negligence rates low

Deputy Health Minister Abdul Latif Ahmad today said the number of cases of serious medical negligence, both in the government and private sector was low.

Answering queries by Chong Eng (DAP-Bukit Mertajam), Abdul Latif said that although there were complaints, the number of the complaints were small.

dr abdul latiff ahmad "For example, we receive some 1.9 million patrons in government hospitals yearly but last year, we only receive 34 complaints. This means that the negligence rate is relatively small.

"This, however, does not mean that we can close one eye and ignore these complaints. Efforts are always undertaken by the government to address these issues," he said.

As for private hospitals, Yong said under the Private Health Care Facility Act 1998, there is a mechanism for patrons to lodge complaints and seek compensation, adding that the government in the past has taken action against those found to have committed negligence. Complainants were also compensated.

"However, whether or not the complainants are satisfied is a subjective matter," he said.

Effective tools in combating crime

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar today said banishing convicted criminals to certain parts of the country and restricting their movements was an effective way to prevent crime.

Answering queries made by Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah), Syed Hamid said such steps also allowed the authorities to monitor the movement of offenders.

syed hamid albar "Besides that, offenders are bound by certain rules set by the authorities like not allowing them to step outside their homes at night, to be at their best behaviour and making it compulsory for them to constantly report to the police," he said.

Currently, there are 2,681 offenders under the restricted movement programme in the country.

He said the government has also introduced an outreach programme where offenders have to attend counselling, motivational programmes and discussion groups as part of their rehabilitation process.