Singapore Auditor-General Flags Lapses in HDB Parking Checks, MOH Contracts

Singapore's Auditor-General’s Office (AGO) has identified significant lapses in government financial management, highlighting issues across ministries and statutory boards for the 2025/2026 financial year. The report details weaknesses in contract management, revenue collection, grant administration, and IT controls, prompting several agencies, including the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and the Ministry of Health (MOH), to file police reports.

The HDB faced scrutiny for its season parking eligibility checks, where nearly S$25 million in applications and renewals were improperly approved. Auditors also found that commercial vehicles were charged incorrect rates, leading to an estimated S$1 million in under-collection. Furthermore, HDB may have overpaid approximately S$9.7 million for patrol and enforcement services due to inadequate oversight of its contractor.

Beyond parking, HDB's eligibility checks for housing initiatives like the Married Child Priority Scheme and Proximity Housing Grant were found to be weak, resulting in flats and grants being disbursed to ineligible applicants. Contract management issues also surfaced within the Home Improvement Programme, with errors in work valuations and potential irregularities in quotations.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) also experienced contract management problems, particularly concerning a medical facility project at the National Cancer Centre Singapore. MOH Holdings, the healthcare institutions' holding company, faced issues such as obtaining approvals after work had commenced or concluded, and discrepancies in fee computations. HDB has stated it is taking immediate steps to rectify the identified irregularities and strengthen its processes.