Corrective Actions Taken to Handle Findings within the Auditor-General’s Report Monetary 12 months 2024/25

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) acknowledges the 4 observations within the Auditor-General’s Office (AGO)’s report regarding tender and cost processes, in addition to the authorized foundation for sure charges collected and concessions applied. MPA is taking corrective actions on these observations to stop future occurrences.

Tender Evaluation Scoring

2. The AGO famous that in a single tender analysis, scores took into consideration documentation from a tenderer’s subsidiary to guage the corporate’s total capabilities, though the position of the subsidiary had not been specified within the tenderer’s submission. MPA has since up to date its analysis protocols to permit capabilities of entities inside the tenderers’ group to be thought-about, offered these are clearly declared within the tender paperwork.

Verification of Service Delivery and Payments

3. The AGO additionally highlighted six operational service contracts during which funds have been made with out satisfactory checks to confirm that companies had been delivered as required. MPA has since reviewed and confirmed service supply for every of the six contracts by way of logs and supporting information. MPA has additionally put in place measures to make sure correct checks and verification of supporting documentation are performed earlier than future funds are authorized.

Dumping and Monitoring Fees

4. MPA acknowledges the AGO’s remark that MPA has been gathering charges for marine dumping and monitoring companies with out formally prescribing them in laws. The dumping charges had been charged by the then-Port of Singapore Authority and had continued when MPA assumed accountability for the offshore dumping grounds when MPA was established in 1996. The monitoring charges have been charged after MPA was established. The charges help the administration of dumping actions and guarantee supplies are deposited at designated websites. These supplies are primarily excavated supplies from land and marine building and upkeep works, together with for nationwide tasks. MPA is taking steps to amend laws to handle the problem, and to present authorized impact for previous charges collected. 

Port Dues Concessions

5. The AGO additionally famous that MPA has applied two varieties of port dues concessions with out formally prescribing them in laws. These concessions are for vessels below the Annual and Six-month Port Dues Schemes, and harbour and pleasure craft owned by authorities companies, colleges, establishments of studying, and non-profit organisations. MPA launched these concessions to help Singapore’s maritime competitiveness and the wants of the general public sector and community-related customers, respectively. MPA is reviewing these schemes and can prescribe them in regulation if these concessions are continued.

MPA’s Commitment to Good Governance

6. MPA stays dedicated to the general public service’s rules of fine monetary governance, fiscal accountability, and prudent administration of public monies. MPA may also strengthen its inside controls as a part of its broader dedication to upholding public belief and operational excellence.