Audit report: Recommendations for environment monitoring

The Auditor-General’s Report (LKAN) 2020 Series 1 released yesterday included recommendations for the Department of Environment (DOE) to improve the Environmental Quality Monitoring Programme (EQMP).

The report recommended that DOE reviews the locations of monitoring stations periodically, taking into account measuring instrument technology, pollution sources and geographical conditions of monitoring stations.

Overall, the EQMP implemented by the DOE was deemed satisfactory.

“However, the Certificate of Acceptance (CoA) of monitoring stations and the operations of monitoring stations were not effectively implemented.

“In addition, the absence of established methods and procedures for monitoring the early warnings receptor could affect the efficiency in taking follow-up actions,” the report read.

It said weaknesses that need to be given attention include the Photo Ionised Detector (PID), which were unable to transmit real-time data to the DOE.

No clear and written payment procedure

Additionally, the absence of a clear and written payment procedure resulted in weakness of the data review process.

The report also noted lease/rental agreements of environmental quality monitoring stations were not prepared for up to 42 months from the date of the CoA of the monitoring station.

Also recommended is for the DOE to carry out a review of the concession agreement clause for the payment of fixed EQMP charges for stations that are not operating.

The DOE was recommended to take immediate action to finalise the lease and rental agreements on monitoring sites so that lease and rental revenue can be collected by the government.

The cost of the EQMP was RM846.09 million, which covers the government’s commitment during the concession period of 15 years.

The audit was conducted to assess whether the EQMP has been implemented prudently, efficiently and effectively to achieve its objectives.

They include a continuous collection of quality data and providing an efficient, high-tech comprehensive monitoring system to prevent environmental pollution.

- Bernama