PAC seeks justification on RM812m school security services

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) would seek a justification from the Education minister on weaknesses in the school security service privatisation project involving RM812 million.

However, PAC chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said the committee had not determined whether to call Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who is also Education Minister, or Second Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.

"PAC has noted a lot of weaknesses in the aspect of implementation and attitude, which must be explained as soon as possible in view of the ever increasing security service costs in schools," he told a media conference at the committee's room in parliament on Wednesday.

He said PAC identified the weaknesses at a meeting on Wednesday morning and expected the justification to be made early next year.

"Improper payment, lack of duty, implementation and administrative matters will cost more money if not addressed quickly.

"Although measures had been taken by the ministry, the PAC found that they were not adequate as the costs kept climbing, from RM594 million (2010) to RM812 million last year," he said.

Meanwhile, Nur Jazlan said scrutiny must be exercised when hiring security guards for schools. The process must not be taken lightly as it bore the security of students as long as they were in the school compound.

According to him, school security guards should act as the eyes and ears for the premises they work at and should responsibly relay information on any student misconduct or negative activities to the school heads concerned.