Latest news with #IntegrityCommissionAct2009
New Straits Times
07-07-2025
- New Straits Times
EAIC urges action against Johor fisheries officer over irregular vessel transfers
KUALA LUMPUR: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has recommended disciplinary action against a Johor Fisheries Department officer over irregular approvals involving the transfer of ownership and base for 10 trawler vessels. The approvals allegedly violated the federal government's Trawl Net Elimination Policy, which aims to phase out destructive fishing practices. In a statement today, the EAIC said investigations revealed clear procedural weaknesses in eight of the 10 approvals granted by the department. "The probe found that the applications were approved despite non-compliance with existing government policies," the commission said, adding that the investigation was conducted under subsection 27(4) of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 (Act 700). Following its findings, the EAIC has referred the case to the Johor Fisheries Department disciplinary authority, with a recommendation that the officer be penalised for insubordination under Regulation 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 [P.U. (A) 395/1993]. The alleged offence falls under Regulation 4(2)(i) for defying official directives. In a related matter, the commission said it would refer a separate investigation involving vessel ownership transfers that failed to comply with department policy and licensing conditions to the secretary-general of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry. The second probe found that approvals had been granted to 'kenka' boats and for zone transfers that went against licensing circulars and existing fisheries policies The EAIC recommended that the department head be formally reprimanded to ensure stricter compliance and that all vessel approvals involved in the case be reviewed to guarantee transparency and adherence to official guidelines. "These recommendations are based on complaints received and investigations conducted in accordance with subsection 27(4) of Act 700," the statement said.
The Sun
02-07-2025
- The Sun
EAIC finds Sabah NRD officer delayed child IC application unreasonably
PUTRAJAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has revealed that there was an unreasonable delay by an investigating officer of the Sabah National Registration Department (NRD) in handling a child's new identity card application. The EAIC, in a statement, said the delay reflected a failure to carry out duties properly, taking too long to initiate an investigation and demonstrating inefficiency in managing the case. 'This action is also inconsistent with the NRD's Code of Ethics, which outlines the need for strong commitment and readiness to perform duties responsibly and diligently within a set timeframe while ensuring quality,' the statement said. Following this, the EAIC has decided to refer its investigation findings to the NRD Disciplinary Authority, recommending disciplinary action under Regulation 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 [P.U.(A) 395/1993] for inefficiency provided for under Regulation 4(2)(e) of the same regulations. In addition to disciplinary action, the commission proposed several improvements, including revising work procedures and enhancing standard operating procedures, particularly by establishing a clear timeframe for officers to carry out investigations effectively. The EAIC also recommended the formation of a 'Flying Squad' at the NRD headquarters in Putrajaya to identify the causes of backlog cases, whether due to the attitude of officers involved or other factors contributing to non-compliance with established procedures and guidelines. Previously, the EAIC received a complaint against a Sabah NRD officer who was alleged to have failed to take appropriate action on the complainant's child's new identity card application. Following the complaint, an investigation was conducted under subsection 27(4) of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 [Act 700].
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
EAIC: Whistleblower disclosures should strengthen integrity, not be feared
KUALA LUMPUR: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) said enforcement agencies should not regard whistleblower disclosures, including those made through unofficial channels such as Telegram, as threats or adversaries. Instead, EAIC chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar said such revelations should be regarded as an opportunity for the respective agencies to strengthen their integrity and public confidence. Citing the Telegram channel 'Edisi Siasat' which exposes alleged misconduct within enforcement bodies, Ismail said the commission takes all complaints of power abuse seriously. Ismail said that the EAIC would act upon complaints, regardless of whether they were submitted via official or unofficial channels. "Although platforms like 'Edisi Siasat' on Telegram are not categorised as official complaint channels, the information shared can trigger preliminary investigations if it contains credible and reasonable elements. "In certain situations, such information can serve as a catalyst for initial investigative action. "Under the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 [Act 700], the EAIC is empowered to initiate investigations on its own initiative if it is satisfied that the matter holds significant public interest or is necessary in the public interest," he told Berita Harian today. Commenting on the response of enforcement agencies towards revelations made by such Telegram channels, Ismail said that investigating such claims, whether true or false, reflects a commitment to transparency and institutional reform. "If the allegations are baseless, investigations can help clear the agency's name," he said. Ismail, however, said if misconduct is proven, appropriate action can be taken against those involved. "This approach aligns with the principles of accountability and good governance," he added.
