The university said today it would improve contractor evaluation and selection processes to ensure that they align with Treasury circulars and financial regulations.

It said it viewed the findings in the auditor-general’s report seriously, and that it remained committed to managing all expenditures transparently and in accordance with established regulations.

“As a proactive measure, the vice-chancellor held a meeting with the A-G in Parliament on July 23 to discuss steps for improving the university’s governance procedures,” it said in a statement.

According to the auditor-general’s report, HCTM breached procurement procedures in three tenders. Among them was a RM25.64 million, three-year catering contract awarded to a company that did not possess halal certification from the Islamic development department.

Another contract for cancer treatment equipment went to a firm not recommended by HCTM’s technical team, despite compatibility issues. The resulting delays affected patient care, with 20 cancer patients waiting for up to eight weeks for treatment.

Higher education minister Zambry Abd Kadir has clarified that the company handling the catering already operates halal-certified premises and uses certified suppliers.

He said the confusion arose because of delays involving halal certification for a new meal preparation premises, not from any lapse in the company’s halal compliance.

“Halal certification is not issued in the name of the company, but rather for the premises used to prepare food,” Utusan Malaysia quoted him as saying in the Dewan Rakyat today.

“This technical delay needs to be viewed in a broader context, as it involves not only the higher education ministry, but also other relevant ministries and agencies.”