AGO Flags Financial Mismanagement at CAAS and Weaknesses in PA’s Control Practices
SINGAPORE: The Auditor-General’s Office (AGO) has highlighted several lapses in financial controls, including an over-disbursement of S$1 million by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and issues with cash handling practices at the People’s Association (PA). These findings, detailed in the AGO’s report for the financial year 2022/2023, include gaps in COVID-19 grant disbursement controls and lapses in procurement at PA.
CAAS, which administered grants for the aviation industry during the pandemic, disbursed S$114.52 million from September 2020 to March 2022. However, errors in grant claims led to over-disbursements, with funds allocated to ineligible employees or for non-qualifying expenses. CAAS plans to recover the excess amounts and strengthen its checks.
Meanwhile, PA was cited for transferring welfare funds to personal accounts for cash withdrawals—a practice deemed “inappropriate” by AGO, despite no evidence of misappropriation. In response, PA is implementing digital payment systems and governance offices to enhance compliance.
The AGO’s findings underscore the need for rigorous oversight in public fund management, as the government seeks to improve internal processes in response to the report’s recommendations.
