PUTRAJAYA — The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has found violations involving breaches of policy and procedure in the application and approval process for base transfer, engine modification and replacement, and licence transfer of a Zone B vessel at the Pontian District Fisheries Department (DOF) in Johor.

In a statement today, the EAIC said that during the investigation, it was discovered that false documents were submitted by parties involved in the application.

Additionally, the base transfer, modification and ownership transfer of the Zone B vessel violated and did not comply with the policies and circulars set by the DOF.

“EAIC’s investigation also found that the approval granted involved an officer from the DOF Klang office, which was the vessel’s original base,” it said.

As a result, the EAIC has decided to refer its investigation findings to the DOF Disciplinary Authority with a recommendation that disciplinary action be taken against the officers involved under Regulation 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 [P.U.(A) 395/1993].

The EAIC said the recommendation was made based on several identified offences, namely incompetence, dishonesty, irresponsibility and negligence in performing their duties, as provided under Regulation 4(2) of the same regulations.

The EAIC also recommended that the DOF take further action by lodging a police report following the discovery of criminal elements, namely the falsification of information in the application for base transfer, vessel modification, engine replacement, and licence transfer involving the Zone B vessel.