RM900mil paid in damages

 

Anwar: Ministries to probe cause of cases stemming from negligence

PETALING JAYA: Over RM900mil in court-ordered payments have been made due to errant or negligent civil servants since 2020, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic).

The Prime Minister said that a total of RM933,360,633.77 had been paid out between 2020 and last year.

He said the payments followed court rulings against offences, negligence and wrongful acts committed by government officers or agencies.

Anwar said this in a parliamentary written reply published on March 3 in response to a question from Selayang MP William Leong.

Leong had also asked on measures taken by the government to ensure such financial liabilities can be minimised in the future.

Replying to this, Anwar said the relevant ministries would conduct a detailed investigation to identify the cause and chronology of the cases that caused the government to pay compensation or damages under court order.

“If an officer or other party is found to be negligent and irresponsible in carrying out his or her duties, which caused this loss, the controlling officer of the relevant ministry shall submit a recommendation as to whether the officer should be subject to disciplinary action and/or surcharge.

“A letter of reprimand will also be issued to the relevant ministry so that appropriate action can be taken,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said that more than 12.5 million Malaysians have benefited from the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) untuk Semua programme, with expenditures exceeding RM1bil within just three weeks of its announcement.

He said the programme’s success proves that savings from more disciplined national financial management can now be channelled directly to the people.

“Leakages are plugged, governance is streamlined, and the saved revenue is returned to the people.

“This proves that when national revenue is distributed equitably, the benefits are felt by households across the country,” he said.

The Finance Ministry noted that sales on the first day of the programme this year reached RM97mil, nearly double the RM50.7mil recorded on the first day of last year.

It said the use of MyKad as the medium for the Sara Untuk Semua programme makes it easier for the public to utilise targeted aid more efficiently.

To date, 56% of the RM100 credit has been used by recipients for the purchase of basic necessities, and the remaining credit is still valid for use until Dec 31. - Star