FISHERIES DEPT ACCELERATES DIGITALISATION SERVICES TO REDUCE RED TAPE

By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng

PUTRAJAYA, 24 Sept (Bernama) -- The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) is accelerating digital technology and automation use in its administrative and operational processes.

This includes implementing e-services to facilitate fishing licence matters, monitoring and enforcement, and data collection.

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Director-General Datuk Adnan Hussain said DOF will also expand digital platforms used in interaction with fishermen, aquaculture operators and the fishing industry to help improve transparency, service efficiency and reduce processing time and bureaucracy.

He said efforts to improve DOF operations aligned with the public service reforms announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Public Service Prime Minister's Council (MAPPA) last August.

"The DOF introduced a performance measurement system that focuses more on results and impact, in line with the public service reform directive which aims to ensure that every activity and program implemented provides added value to the fishing industry and the communities involved," he told Bernama in an interview here recently. 

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In addition, he said focus will also be given to improving the skills and knowledge of DOF officers through continuous training, particularly in digital technology, data management and fisheries law enforcement.

He explained that customer engagement and responsiveness will be increased so that DOF officials can better respond to the needs and feedback of the fishing community and aquaculture operators. This includes adding two-way communication channels and an online complaint portal to speed up the resolution of issues.

Adnan said the DOF will organise more engagement sessions with the fishing community to raise awareness of the latest policies and get direct feedback.

This is in line with the reforms, which emphasise the active involvement of all stakeholders.

He said another effort to strengthen the DOF's management was to improve the enforcement of fisheries laws with stricter action against rule violations, including using technology to monitor fishing activities in real time.

"This includes mandating the installation and implementation of the Quick Response Code (QR) on all deep sea fishing vessels (Zone C2) from 2026. Its implementation together with the Vessel Identification System (SIV) will help the department crack down on foreign fishermen harvesting the country's fisheries illegally as well as local vessel cloning issues," he said.

He said cooperation between other agencies, including the private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), will also be strengthened to ensure the effective implementation of reforms in resource management, research, and new technology development in the fisheries sector.

"These measures are taken to ensure that the DOF can operate more efficiently, responsively and competitively, in line with the aspirations of public service reform," he said.

Adnan said the principle of performance-based rewards and a code of conduct will also be emphasised in human resource management to ensure increased productivity in the public service.

He said the existing public service elements will be improved through empowerment, including resource optimisation and increased productivity, management and development of human capital, strengthening leadership, strengthening the code of conduct, and empowering service delivery.

"In addition, the implementation of the work rotation will be implemented in order to produce competent officers in all scopes of the fisheries sector. This is to ensure that the operation and services delivered will successfully achieve the set targets and be enjoyed by the stakeholders and the people as a whole," he said.

Adnan said forming a work culture of integrity is a priority for improving integrity among DOF officers. Integrity awareness briefings periodically in councils or programs organised by departments at headquarters and state levels will be among the programs implemented.

In addition, he said the Integrity Unit will email all DOF staff monthly infographics reminding them of compliance with rules and codes of conduct.

"The Integrity Unit also conducts regular compliance sessions either scheduled or unannounced to the departments at the headquarters and also the state fisheries office regarding staff compliance to the rules and codes of conduct in force," he said.

-- BERNAMA