KUALA LUMPUR: The RM4bil 1BestariNet project which involves 10,000 schools nationwide needs to be reviewed to look into doubtful expenditures, said the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
In a report tabled in Parliament today, PAC rejected the reason submitted by the Education Ministry that it was unaware on the value management lab circular.
Under a circular issued by the Economic Planning Unit in 2009, all projects worth RM50 million and above must go through a value management process.
PAC wants the Auditor General's Department to carry out a thorough follow-up audit related to the matters raised.
1BestariNet is a project to improve the information communication technology system and the SchoolNet services in schools through 4G broadband connectivity and virtual learning environment (VLE).
The project had been deemed as failed from the user-end experience as well as in providing broadband access to the schools.
So far only RM663 million has been utilised for the 1BestariNet project over a period of 30 months.
PAC added the National Audit Department also must look into the effectiveness in implementing the 15-year 1BestariNet project which was initiated by YTL Communications in 2011.
PAC chairman Datuk Hasan Ariffin will follow up on the matter by visiting the schools involved in the project, both in cities and rural areas.
The project had previously been raised in the AG's Report 2013 Series 3 on Nov 10, 2014.
The report highlighted the delay in installing internet services, the lack of a project committee, feedback from the schools stating the broadband access was unsatisfactory and the ministry’s failure to carry out proper research on the needs of the schools.