EAIC: Penang Fisheries failed to act on trawler breaches
KUALA LUMPUR: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has found that the Penang Fisheries Department failed to take appropriate action over repeated intrusions by trawlers operating outside their designated zones.
The commission said it had initiated the investigation following complaints received, uncovering serious weaknesses in enforcement practices.
The EAIC is an independent watchdog established under the 2009 Act to monitor, investigate, and enhance the integrity of Malaysia's enforcement agencies.
The agency found that the Department of Fisheries (DOF) had failed to adequately monitor its enforcement personnel in Penang.
"Only one visit and inspection had been conducted at its enforcement base in Batu Maung over a one-year period," it said in a statement today.
"DOF Penang management was also found to be unaware of the day-to-day enforcement tasks carried out by junior officers and the operational challenges faced at the base," it added.
The EAIC also said that the department had failed to ensure that details in the enforcement log books were recorded completely and systematically by the officers responsible.
As a result, the EAIC has recommended several measures to the DOF's department head, including a letter of reprimand to senior management in Penang and disciplinary action against the officer responsible for the incomplete logbook records.
The commission also proposed improvements to the Department of Fisheries' (DOF) standard operating procedures (SOPs) in handling complaints, particularly those supported by video evidence, along with mandatory training and refresher courses to ensure compliance with enforcement procedures and departmental guidelines.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Used clothes seller acquitted, discharged of possessing drugs
Mohd Jamri (left) smiles after his acquittal. With him is his counsel Chew. KOTA KINABALU (June 20): A used clothes seller was acquitted and discharged by a Sessions Court here today from two counts of possessing cannabis and syabu. Judge Dayang Ellyn Narisa Abang Ahmad freed Mohd Jamri Basir, 24, after a full trial. The first count accused Mohd Jamri of possessing 158.6 grams of cannabis at an apartment at Jalan Tuaran Bypass on May 15, 2020. The charge was under Section 39A (2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, punishable under Section 6 of the same Act. The second count accused him of having 6.64 grams of syabu at the same place and on the same day. The alleged offence was under Section 12 (2), punishable under Section 39A (1), both of the same Act. The prosecution commended the case on December 7, 2022 and rested it on August 15, 2024. Ten witnesses were called by the prosecution while the defence called three witnesses, including Mohd Jamri. Mohd Jamri was represented by counsel Dominic Chew Ban Huat.
Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Focus Malaysia
'Report graft to MACC, PDRM first – not social media – to be entitled for whistleblower protection'
THE issue of whistleblower protection has recently become a topic of public attention, especially in the context of combating corruption. Unfortunately, there is widespread misunderstanding among the public regarding who qualifies for protection and the procedures that must be followed. Some believe that anyone with information about misconduct can apply for protection as a whistleblower but the reality is not that simple. Malaysia has specific legislation to protect whistleblowers from unfair retaliation, namely the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010. However, this protection is subject to certain conditions and procedures to ensure its effectiveness and prevent abuse. A common misconception is the belief that whistleblowers may disclose information publicly – such as to the media or social media – before applying for protection. This is incorrect. Under the law, information regarding misconduct must first be reported to an enforcement agency. If someone discloses the information publicly before making an official report, it may compromise their identity and the validity of the disclosed information. There is also the risk that such information may not be verified or could be misinterpreted, ultimately damaging the credibility of the case. Additionally, enforcement agencies cannot provide protection to whistleblowers who have 'exposed' themselves before making a formal report. Criteria for protection To obtain whistleblower protection, an individual must meet several conditions. Firstly, the report must be made to a legitimate enforcement agency such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) or other relevant government bodies. Secondly, the report must be made in good faith and not out of malicious intent such as revenge or defamation. Another key condition is that the whistleblower must not be involved in the reported misconduct. Section 11(1) of the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 clearly states that protection may be revoked if the whistleblower is found to be complicit in the misconduct disclosed. This is to maintain the integrity of the whistleblower and prevent abuses t the protection status as a 'shield' to cover up their own wrongdoing. Challenges encountered Despite existing laws, whistleblowers often face challenges in upholding the truth. Among them, whistleblowers are often labelled as 'informers' or 'traitors', especially if the offence involves their employer or organisation. Additionally, despite legal protections, there remains concern about threats or discrimination they may face directly or indirectly. In fact, many still do not understand the legal procedures to become a whistleblower and how they can apply for protection legally. The process for applying for whistleblower protection is clearly stipulated. An individual must report directly to a government enforcement agency such as MACC or PDRM. Once the report is received and meets the criteria set out in the Act, the whistleblower will be granted protection guaranteed by law. Forms of protection provided include: Confidentiality of identity: The whistleblower's identity will be kept completely confidential and will not be disclosed to any party, including during court proceedings. The whistleblower's identity will be kept completely confidential and will not be disclosed to any party, including during court proceedings. Legal immunity: The whistleblower is protected from civil, criminal or disciplinary action related to the report made. The whistleblower is protected from civil, criminal or disciplinary action related to the report made. Protection against retaliation: Any retaliation such as dismissal, discrimination or intimidation as a result of the report is strictly prohibited. Any retaliation such as dismissal, discrimination or intimidation as a result of the report is strictly prohibited. Protection for related individuals: Besides the whistleblower, protection is also extended to family members or individuals closely related to the whistleblower if they face risks due to the disclosure. Social responsibility, incentives As a responsible society, we must understand the role and responsibility of reporting corruption. Section 25 of the MACC Act 2009 stipulates that anyone who knows of the giving, receiving or offering of a bribe but fails to report it can be fined up to RM100,000 or imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both. Additionally, the government has since 2011 introduced cash reward incentives and recognition for civil servants who report corruption to MACC. These rewards are given based on the value of the corruption involved when their reports or complaints result in convictions in court. As of 2024, a total of 514 civil servants have received rewards exceeding RM1 mil under this incentive programme with the highest reward of RM100,000 given to a public officer for reporting corruption. The whistleblower protection law is an important tool in efforts to combat corruption and misconduct in this country. It provides confidence to legitimate whistleblowers to come forward without fear of retaliation. However, the existing Act still has weaknesses that need improvement to ensure more effective protection. Legal reform The Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2010 (Act 711) was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on March 6. This amendment aims to further strengthen protection for whistleblowers who report misconduct, particularly in the public and private sectors involving corruption. It is expected to provide more comprehensive protection for whistleblowers, including protection against harmful actions and immunity from civil or criminal proceedings. This amendment is hoped to encourage more individuals to report misconduct without fear. Recently, the MACC and Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) expressed full support for efforts to improve this Act during a courtesy visit by TI-Malaysia president Raymon Ram to MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki. Awareness about the role, responsibilities, and protection of whistleblowers must be raised in society. The misconception that anyone can apply for protection without fulfilling the required conditions must be corrected to prevent misuse and abuse of the law. As concerned citizens, we must understand that whistleblowers play a critical role and that all support should be given to expose misconduct and uphold the integrity of institutions. With robust laws and public awareness of their responsibilities, efforts to combat corruption in Malaysia can be more effectively implemented. – June 20, 2025 Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin is the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commissions' (MACC) senior director (legal and prosecution division). The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Jail for Vietnamese woman who helped sister to obtain bank accounts, ATM cards for use in scams
Despite suspecting that the accounts would likely be used for illicit activities from the onset, Nguyen Lan Dung agreed to the arrangement. - Photo: ST SINGAPORE: Lured by the promise of money, a woman decided to take up her sister's offer to obtain bank accounts and cards in exchange for payment. Despite suspecting that the accounts would likely be used for illicit activities from the onset, Nguyen Lan Dung, 24, agreed to the arrangement. On Thursday (June 19), the Vietnamese national was sentenced to 10 months' jail after pleading guilty to three charges under the Computer Misuse Act, and one under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act. Eleven charges of a similar nature were taken into consideration during the sentencing. Dung was also fined S$1,700. Investigations revealed that after Dung agreed to the arrangement, she reached out to a man to say she knew people who would pay him for control of his bank account. Court documents do not reveal how investigations into Dung and her sister started. Sometime in March 2024, the man agreed and gave up his bank details and the corresponding physical ATM card. Dung handed over the card and login details to her sister and her sister's boyfriend, and was paid $700. Court documents stated that the man's bank account and ATM card were later found to be linked to extortion scams, and were used to transact a flow of scam proceeds. Under the arrangement, Dung would also act as the point of contact for other Vietnamese nationals who were willing to sell their bank accounts. She would earn between $500 and $700 for each bank account she helped to procure. Sometime in March 2024, she managed to obtain two different bank accounts from two Vietnamese nationals. Court documents do not reveal how Dung had managed to contact the two. Around the same period, Dung, along with her sister and her sister's boyfriend, arranged to sell 11 bank accounts to unknown persons. Dung's sister, Nguyen Huong Giang, remains on the run from Singapore. - The Straits Times/ANN
