Penang Fisheries Dept vows tougher action on trawler encroachment

GEORGE TOWN: The state Fisheries Department has pledged to enhance enforcement following the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission's (EAIC) recommendations on trawler encroachment on protected fishing zones.
This came after an investigation revealed ongoing violations involving Zone B trawlers entering Zone A, in breach of Malaysian fisheries regulations.
State Fisheries Department director Zarina Zainuddin vowed to implement a series of improvements to strengthen monitoring, regulation and enforcement in state waters.
She said to ensure that enforcement was carried out more effectively, the department would intensify its management inspections.
"Regular, unannounced visits will be conducted at enforcement bases to ensure that operations comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and directives," she said when asked by the 'New Straits Times' on the EAIC's findings today.
"The department has already carried out surprise inspections in April and July 2024. Periodic checks will continue to assess staff attendance and adherence to operational guidelines."
The EAIC found that the state Fisheries Department had failed to take appropriate action against repeated trawler intrusions.
The commission had initiated an investigation following complaints, uncovering serious weaknesses in enforcement practices.
The agency also found that the department had failed to adequately monitor its enforcement personnel in the state.
Zarina said continuous internal audits had been introduced to improve documentation and transparency in enforcement logs.
She said this included improving the record-keeping system for better operational clarity and accountability, aligning with the EAIC's recommendation to enhance the accuracy of daily records.
She added that the department would organise comprehensive training and SOP enhancement programmes for its enforcement officers.
"This is in line with the EAIC's call for better understanding and compliance with fisheries regulations.
"A key reform that we have implemented is the review of our procedures for handling complaints, particularly those involving video evidence.
"By streamlining the process, the department aims to expedite investigations, with new procedures now in place for reporting violations under the Fisheries Act 1985.
"The department is now lodging police reports and initiating investigations into each complaint involving trawler encroachment on Zone A."
Zarina said in 2024 alone, the department received seven video complaints regarding encroachment involving trawlers from Zone B1 and C.
She said following these complaints, 13 trawlers were investigated and enforcement actions taken, including fines totaling RM6,000 and legal charges against violators.
Zarina said the Fisheries Department also seized seven Zone C trawlers,with fines and auction proceeds amounting to RM41,200. Additional penalties included the suspension of fishing and vessel licences for one year, confiscation of fishing gear, a five-year ban on vessel ownership transfers and further legal action.
The state Fisheries Department, Zarina added, expressed its appreciation for the EAIC's recommendations and remained committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure effective enforcement and uphold the principles of integrity and good governance.

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