RM3.47 million to upkeep grounded police helicopters, audit report finds

Police paid a total of RM3.47 million for the maintenance of two helicopters despite both being grounded for more than three years, the latest series of the Auditor-General’s Report reveals.

Series 1 of the 2019 report released today said the maintenance cost covers the year 2018 up to September last year.

The two police helicopters, 9M-PHA and 9M-PHF, had been grounded for more than three years between 2017 and 2019.

A maintenance report on the helicopters stated that six out of 10 had been classified as “inactive” for not clocking in the required flight hours.

The audit report said under the maintenance contract, a 25% discount on the monthly maintenance cost is given if a helicopter has been inactive for more than six months.

However, only three helicopters are allowed the discount at any one time, resulting in the wastage, the report noted.

The cost of maintaining each helicopter is RM38,500 a month, and RM28,875 after discount.

The audit report said the contract agreement should be amended to remove the limit on the number of helicopters allowed a discount on maintenance due to being grounded.