'Non-compliance in Fisheries Dept approval of 'kenka' boat, zone change requests'

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.

The commission said the discovery came to light following complaints against the department regarding approvals that allegedly did not follow conditions or licensing circulars and were in violation of 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 department 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 recommendation 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 the Fisheries Department reviewing approvals given to vessels involved to ensure transparency and compliance with existing circulars.

The EAIC also revealed that it has investigated the Johor Fisheries Department 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 exist 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 department’s 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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