EAIC FINDS NON-COMPLIANCE IN LICENSING, POSSIBLE DOCUMENT FORGERY IN FISHERIES DEPARTMENT

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has revealed breaches of procedures and licensing policies within the Department of Fisheries (DOF) involving the approval of 54 fishing licences granted to two companies.

In a statement, the Commission said this followed the investigation conducted on DOF officers in Johor, Kedah, Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang and at the department’s headquarters under Section 28 of the EAIC Act 2009 (Act 700).

“The investigation found non-compliance with DOF licensing procedures and policies, as well as elements of criminal forgery or the use of forged documents as genuine, which may be investigated under Section 471 of the Penal Code (Act 574),” the statement read.

As such, the EAIC said it will refer its findings to DOF’s disciplinary authority and recommend disciplinary action against the officers involved under Regulation 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.

“The identified offences include irresponsibility, disobedience and negligence in carrying out duties,” it added.

The findings have also been referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) under Paragraph 30(1)(c) of Act 700 for consideration of criminal investigation under Section 471 of the Penal Code or other relevant provisions.

The EAIC also proposed several improvements to the DOF, including that the Director-General consider revoking vessel licences obtained through irregular procedures.

Other recommendations include issuing clear guidelines for approving vessel modifications exceeding 20 per cent at the headquarters level; improving file management in district fisheries offices; setting limits on the number of licences or vessels per company; and enhancing the e-license system to strengthen efficiency and integrity in the licensing process.

-- BERNAMA