MACC urges stronger integrity measures, proposes four governance reforms for Sarawak PWD

KUCHING: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Sarawak has proposed four governance improvements to the state Public Works Department (PWD).

The improvements involve the supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by contractors under the Miri Division PWD administration.

The recommendations stemmed from findings that an officer from Miri PWD had allegedly demanded money from a contractor to personally purchase PPE meant for project monitoring and inspection, despite the responsibility of providing such equipment falling on the contractor.

Sarawak MACC director Datuk Hasbilah Mohamad Salleh said the recommendations were presented following integrity concerns discovered in the management of a Rural Transformation Project (RTP) implemented in 2020 involving the construction of a multipurpose hall in Kampung Long Aya worth RM310,000.

“Among the proposals was the introduction of clear regulations outlining PPE specifications in tender documents in accordance with Sirim and Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) standards.

“The commission also recommended that PWD issue a circular prohibiting officers and staff from soliciting, requesting or receiving money from contractors, including for the purchase of PPE,” he said in a statement today.

He said that another key suggestion was for PWD to introduce an “Integrity Pact” requiring selected contractors to sign a formal undertaking to comply with all terms set out in state government tender documents.

Sarawak PWD director Dr Cassidy Morris welcomed the recommendations and expressed his department’s full commitment to implementing them.

The presentation session, held at PWD Sarawak’s headquarters today, concluded with the signing of the Governance Improvement Report between Hasbilah and Cassidy.

Also present were Sarawak MACC deputy director (Prevention) Wan Ahmad Nidzam Wan Omar, Governance Investigation Branch head Mohd Hamzah Abdullah, and other senior PWD officers.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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