Latest news with #EnforcementAgencyIntegrityCommission
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Environment Department to toughen action on repeat offenders, improve SOPs
KUALA LUMPUR: Stricter action against repeat environmental offenders and improvements to existing standard operating procedures are among the measures taken by the Environment Department to strengthen environmental enforcement, said its director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar. He said this follows recommendations from the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC), which recently highlighted weaknesses in enforcement by the Johor Environment Department involving recycling premises in the Segamat Industrial Area. "While all reported premises were found to have valid licences, the department acknowledges there is still room for improvement," he said in a statement. He said the department will intensify inspections on problematic premises, with a focus on stricter enforcement against repeat offenders. Measures include equipment operation seizure, suspension of licenses and preparation of investigation papers for court action as provided under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and its related regulations. "The department has also reviewed and enhanced its existing SOPs to ensure uniform implementation at all levels of operation, including state and district offices. "The updated SOPs have been distributed to all department personnel. To ensure proper understanding and implementation, continuous engagement sessions will be held for officers at all levels," he said. Wan Abdul Latiff added that the department has revised its existing compound guidelines to enable more effective and fair enforcement. "Additionally, the issuance of compound offers now requires the approval of the deputy public prosecutor to ensure that the process aligns with legal standards and upholds justice." He said another measure includes the delegation of authority. "A consolidated delegation authority, which combines six existing orders, named Environmental Quality (Delegation of Powers to Government Departments, Local Authorities and Corporations) Order 2025 was gazetted on July 7 and came into effect on July 8. "This delegation of authority is a proactive step to strengthen enforcement by empowering relevant departments and agencies to act more effectively within their jurisdictions." Wan Abdul Latiff said the department is committed to taking proactive measures to address the issues raised, despite the complainant's allegations being unfounded based on several justifications. The justifications include that the department had taken enforcement action against the reported premises in accordance with the law and established SOPs. "A review of related documents confirmed that all the premises involved possess valid licenses from the department and local authorities, as well as operating within approved industrial areas. "Furthermore, there is no solid evidence of misconduct by any Johor Environment Department officers during the enforcement actions under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. "Additionally, the Segamat Branch Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission conducted an investigation and confirmed that no elements of corruption were found and appropriate enforcement measures have been taken by the department." On July 18, EAIC flagged weak enforcement by the Johor Environment Department concerning recycling premises operating in the Segamat Industrial Area. Among the enforcement flaws highlighted were ineffective penalties in deterring repeat offences, inconsistent enforcement of guidelines across states and districts, and delays in the implementation of revised new compounds.
The Sun
7 days ago
- The Sun
AADK negligence allows drug offender to escape EAIC probe
PUTRAJAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has uncovered negligence in the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) Selangor's handling of a drug-positive individual, leading to the suspect's evasion of follow-up actions. The findings stem from a complaint under subsection 27(4) of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009. The EAIC stated that the individual tested positive for drugs at a public hospital pathology lab. However, AADK officers failed to secure the suspect's signature on the Letter of Agreement and Guarantee after court bail release. This oversight allowed the individual to avoid further monitoring. The investigation also highlighted weak documentation in tracking efforts. Despite reported operations, no solid evidence confirmed targeted pursuit of the suspect. District-level management's poor supervision further exacerbated SOP violations, leaving the case unresolved. Additionally, EAIC identified gaps in tracing protocols, including unclear guidelines for enforcement officers to enter premises for arrests. The commission has referred the findings to AADK's Disciplinary Authority, recommending action under Regulation 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- New Straits Times
EAIC finds AADK officers negligent in follow-up actions against drug offender
KUALA LUMPUR: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has found negligence on the part of National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) officers in Selangor for failing to carry out follow-up actions against an individual who tested positive for drugs at a government hospital. The EAIC said the investigation was carried out following a complaint filed under Section 27(4) of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 (Act 700). The commission's findings revealed that AADK officers had failed to ensure the individual signed a Letter of Agreement and Guarantee after being released on court bail. "This complicates efforts to track him down when he did not return to the AADK office as instructed. "The investigation also found that although several operations were claimed to have been carried out to locate the individual, there was no solid documentation to prove that these efforts were genuinely targeted at him," it said. The commission added that a lack of effective supervision by district-level AADK management over their subordinates resulted in a breach of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Standing Orders concerning bail procedures and case handling. "This failure has led to the case remaining unresolved and unclosed to this day," it added. The EAIC also highlighted weaknesses in the existing SOPs for tracking individuals who fail to report back, including unclear guidelines for enforcement officers to enter premises for arrest purposes. As a result, the EAIC has referred its findings to the AADK Disciplinary Authority and recommended disciplinary action under Regulation 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 \[P.U. (A) 395/1993], for negligence under Regulation 4(2)(j) of the same regulation. The commission has also submitted its findings to the AADK director-general, recommending improvements to enforcement procedures and arrest SOPs to ensure more proactive and effective operations in future.
The Star
7 days ago
- The Star
EAIC investigating AADK officers for assault, negligence
PETALING JAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has launched investigations into two separate incidents involving National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) officers. In a statement on Monday (July 14), the commission said that one case in Pahang involves an alleged assault and added that another in Selangor concerns negligence in handling a drug offender. In the first case, the EAIC received a report about an alleged assault at a government drug rehabilitation centre in Pahang in 2024. A client undergoing treatment at the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) was reportedly assaulted and injured under the care of AADK officers. Following its investigation, the EAIC found sufficient evidence to suggest the assault occurred and that the injuries sustained by the client were linked to the actions of the officer involved. The commission also found signs that the centre may have deliberately concealed the incident, as the report on the client's injuries was submitted to AADK headquarters after an unreasonable delay. As a result, the EAIC has referred the case to the Attorney General's Chambers with a recommendation for a criminal investigation under Section 324 of the Penal Code for causing injury. It also referred the matter to the AADK's disciplinary authority for further action against the officer involved. Additionally, the EAIC has proposed that closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras be installed at all Puspen facilities to improve transparency and ensure the safety of clients undergoing rehabilitation. In the second case, the EAIC received a complaint about AADK officers in Selangor failing to take follow-up action after an individual tested positive for drugs at a public hospital. Investigations revealed that AADK officers were negligent in ensuring the individual signed a Letter of Agreement and Guarantee after being released on court bail, making it difficult for the agency to locate the individual when he did not return as required. The EAIC also found that attempts to track down the individual were poorly documented and lacked concrete evidence. While some operations were claimed to have occurred, there was no proof of any focused effort to locate the person involved. The commission further noted a lack of supervision by district-level AADK management, leading to breaches of standard operating procedures (SOP) and failure to follow standing orders related to bail and case management. As a result, the case remains unresolved. Moreover, the EAIC highlighted weaknesses in the agency's procedures for tracking down drug users who fail to report back, particularly regarding the rights and methods of entering premises to make arrests. The case has also been referred to the AADK Disciplinary Authority, with a recommendation for disciplinary action under public service regulations. The EAIC has also advised the AADK director-general to strengthen its SOPs for enforcement actions, especially in handling suspected drug users who fail to cooperate.
The Sun
07-07-2025
- The Sun
EAIC finds non-compliance in DOF boat and zone approvals
PUTRAJAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has uncovered non-compliance in the approval processes for 'kenka' boats and zone change applications by the Fisheries Department (DOF). The findings emerged after complaints alleged that approvals bypassed licensing conditions and violated fishery policies. Investigations under subsection 27(4) of the EAIC Act 2009 confirmed that the DOF approved boat ownership changes without adhering to its own policies. The EAIC stated, 'Investigations revealed that there were acts by the DOF to approve the change of ownership of boats that did not comply with the policies and conditions set by the department itself.' The commission has referred the case to the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, recommending a reprimand for the department head to enforce policy compliance. Additional recommendations include a review of approvals for involved vessels to ensure transparency. In a related case, the EAIC investigated Johor DOF over complaints involving 10 trawling net vessels. The probe found irregularities in eight approvals for ownership or base transfers, violating government disposal policies. The EAIC has urged disciplinary action under Rule 38 of the Public Officers Regulations 1993. – Bernama
