Ensure no misappropriation in missing assets – Minister

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PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi wants to ensure that there is no misappropriation in the missing 309 assets worth RM1.33 million belonging to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), as stated in the Auditor General’s Report 2012.

He said the ministry had given an explanation as required to the National Audit Department.

“An explanation has already been given but it could not be included on time in the report. I want to ensure that there has been no misappropriation. That is the important thing in this matter,” he said.

He said this at a press conference after launching the 3rd General Police and Special Equipment Exhibition and Conference Asia at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here yesterday.

According to the Auditor General’s report 2012 tabled in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday,  PDRM lost 309 assets worth RM1.33 million including 44 units of firearms, between 2010 and 2012.

The report said handcuffs topped the list of missing assets with 156 units.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar disclosed that the missing assets comprised 37 units of firearms, 166 pairs of handcuffs, three cars and 29 motorcycles.

He said their disappearance was thoroughly investigated by 212 PDRM inquiry committee members to determine whether Standard Operating Procedures had been adhered to or whether there was any negligence involved.

“Ninety four of the cases have been imposed surcharges totaling RM167,984 while 118 cases are awaiting action, to avoid a repeat of the situation,” he said.

Khalid said there had been no reports that the missing firearms were used for criminal purposes.

“The weapons have individual IDs. So the personnel responsible for losing them must be held accountable. But the missing weapons need not necessarily have fallen into the hands of criminals. They could have fallen into the sea from a boat, for instance,” he said.

He said the integrity department to be set up by the Home Ministry would focus on rectifying weaknesses and improve the PDRM’s asset management system. — Bernama