PUTRAJAYA, July 7 (Bernama) -- The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has revealed that non-compliance exists in approvals of ‘kenka’ boat and zone change applications by the Fisheries Department (DOF).
The commission said the discovery came to light following complaints against the DOF regarding approvals that allegedly did not follow conditions or licensing circulars and were in violation with existing fishery policies and that investigations were conducted under subsection 27(4) of the EAIC Act 2009.
“Investigations revealed that there were acts by the DOF to approve the change of ownership of boats that did not comply with the policies and conditions set by the department itself,” the commission said in a statement today.
The EAIC has decided to refer its investigation to the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry secretary-general with the recommedation that a letter of reprimand be issued to the department head to ensure compliance of department policies and conditions.
Other recommendations by the commission include DOF reviewing approvals given to vessels involved to ensure transparency and compliance to existing circulars.
The EAIC also revealed that it has investigated the Johor DOF under subsection 27(4) of the EAIC Act 2009 following a complaint against the department about the ownership or base transfer of 10 vessels using trawling nets without following the trawling net disposal policy set by the government.
“Investigations reveal there exists weaknesses and irregularities regarding the approval of applications of eight out of 10 vessels investigated involving ownership or base transfers by the DOF,” the commission said.
The commission decided to refer the case to the DOF disciplinary authorities with the recommendation that disciplinary punishment against the officers involved under Rule 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.
-- BERNAMA
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