According to the 2024 auditor-general’s report, a total of 99 (90.8%) of 109 projects and programmes have been implemented, with 77 projects completed, while 22 projects and programmes are still being implemented with three in the planning stage, 11 in the design stage and eight in the construction stage.
“However, the performance targets involving realised investments, job opportunities, and the number of entrepreneurs as stated in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Master Plan (EMP 1.0) were not achieved.
“Moreover, the actual achievements of the ECER Master Plan 2.0 cannot be assessed yet as the implementation period started from 2018 until 2025,” said the report.
“Having said this, ECERDC did not reach the target for investment realised for EMP 1.0, achieving only RM53.875 billion in investments, 133,873 job opportunities, and 29,275 entrepreneurs.
“This falls short of the actual targets set of RM66 billion in realised investments, 200,000 job opportunities, and 60,000 entrepreneurs,” it said.
Despite this, ECER received a committed investment of RM111.562 billion compared to the set target of RM110 billion under EMP 1.0.
Additionally, the audit found that no database has been established to measure the socio-economic achievements of the target group in the ECER region.
“Therefore, the objective achievements of the projects and programmes implemented cannot be measured, besides ECERDC doesn’t have an accurate measurement method to identify the poverty rate and income of the population in the East Coast states,” it said.
Thus, the audit recommended that the economy ministry, ECERDC, and the related parties review the objectives, functions and roles of the council.
“This is to ensure that projects and programmes are planned and implemented by considering current priorities, conditions, and needs.
“This way, it can benefit the target groups, achieve effective objectives, and will not affect the returns to the government,” it said.
The report also proposed a measurement method and the creation of a database for the socio-economic achievements of the target groups to identify the poverty rate and income of the population in the ECER region.
“This is to ensure that the objectives of establishing ECERDC are achieved.
“Engagement sessions with all parties involved should also be held to formulate strategies and intensify promotional activities to attract investors in industrial plots and companies for agropolitan projects,” it added.
The audit focussed on projects and programmes implemented in the ECER region and was based on the 9MP and 12MP as well as the ECER Master Plan from 2018 up to Dec 31, 2022.