GEORGE TOWN, December 28 – The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is demanding swift action against those responsible for the procurement of defective ventilators by the Ministry of Health (MOH) during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite the pressing need for 800 ventilators, MOH approved RM30 million for the purchase of 500 units, resulting in the acquisition of 136 nonfunctional ventilators at a reported cost four times higher than the standard rate. The recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report revealed a lack of a written agreement between MOH and the involved company, hindering any potential legal actions.
CAP expresses its dismay over the PAC’s failure to hold individuals accountable for the faulty ventilator purchase and underscores the urgency of investigating potential negligence or corruption in the procurement process. Despite the critical nature of the pandemic, the procurement process lacked transparency, with deals being facilitated through WhatsApp and no formal supply contract outlining specifications. CAP emphasizes that beyond the financial losses, the faulty ventilators posed a significant risk to patients’ lives.
The report underscores the necessity for accountability within the public procurement system and criticizes MOH for engaging a company with no prior experience in medical equipment procurement. CAP questions the efficacy of the integrity and compliance unit within the Health Ministry and stresses the importance of identifying and penalizing all parties responsible for the negligence highlighted in the Auditor-General’s Report. Mohideen Abdul Kader, President of CAP, insists on a thorough investigation, emphasizing the need for appropriate actions against those found guilty of neglecting their duties.
