Latest news with #ZarinaZainuddin
Barnama
12 hours ago
- Barnama
EAIC: Penang DOF Committed To Improving Effectiveness Of MCS Management Enforcement
GEORGE TOWN, June 16 (Bernama) -- The Penang Department of Fisheries (DOF) will enhance monitoring aspects, standard operating procedures (SOP), and the effectiveness of MCS (Monitoring, Control & Surveillance) enforcement in the state's waters following recommendations from the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) regarding the issue of trawler incursions from Zone B to Zone A. Its director, Zarina Zainuddin, said her department acknowledges and takes the feedback seriously, and therefore several steps have been, are being, and will continue to be taken to address the issue. "This includes increasing the frequency of monitoring visits by management to enforcement bases to ensure tasks are carried out according to SOP and standing instructions, with two surprise inspections conducted on April 22 and July 26, 2024. "Additionally, periodic inspections are also conducted from time to time to ensure staff attendance, adherence to work ethics, and the execution of duties according to the Captain Order guidelines," she said in a statement today. She explained that internal audits of the Enforcement Log Management are also conducted continuously to ensure daily records are maintained according to regulations, along with improvements to the record-keeping system to enhance the transparency and orderliness of operational information. Additionally, Zarina said that her department also organised comprehensive SOP reinforcement courses and training involving all enforcement officers, in line with EAIC's recommendations to ensure understanding and compliance with regulations are continuously improved. "The review of the SOP regarding the acceptance of complaints accompanied by video evidence has been implemented to expedite and streamline the investigation process. The Penang DOF is now filing police reports and opening investigation papers for each complaint related to violations of the Fisheries Act 1985, specifically involving the encroachment of trawlers into Zone A. "Throughout last year, the Penang DOF received seven video-recorded complaints regarding the encroachment of fishing areas by trawler boats in Zones B1 and C. As a result, 13 trawlers were investigated, and enforcement actions were taken, including the issuance of fines amounting to RM6,000 fines and court charges," she said. She also said that the DOG detained seven tugboats in Zone C, with a total fine and fish auction proceeds amounting to RM41,200, while further actions such as the suspension of Vessel Licenses and Fishing Licences for one year, complete equipment seizure, a five-year prohibition on vessel transfer, and court charges have been carried out.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- The Sun
EAIC: Penang DOF committed to improving effectiveness of MCS management enforcement
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Department of Fisheries (DOF) will enhance monitoring aspects, standard operating procedures (SOP), and the effectiveness of MCS (Monitoring, Control & Surveillance) enforcement in the state's waters following recommendations from the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) regarding the issue of trawler incursions from Zone B to Zone A. Its director, Zarina Zainuddin, said her department acknowledges and takes the feedback seriously, and therefore several steps have been, are being, and will continue to be taken to address the issue. 'This includes increasing the frequency of monitoring visits by management to enforcement bases to ensure tasks are carried out according to SOP and standing instructions, with two surprise inspections conducted on April 22 and July 26, 2024. 'Additionally, periodic inspections are also conducted from time to time to ensure staff attendance, adherence to work ethics, and the execution of duties according to the Captain Order guidelines,' she said in a statement today. She explained that internal audits of the Enforcement Log Management are also conducted continuously to ensure daily records are maintained according to regulations, along with improvements to the record-keeping system to enhance the transparency and orderliness of operational information. Additionally, Zarina said that her department also organised comprehensive SOP reinforcement courses and training involving all enforcement officers, in line with EAIC's recommendations to ensure understanding and compliance with regulations are continuously improved. 'The review of the SOP regarding the acceptance of complaints accompanied by video evidence has been implemented to expedite and streamline the investigation process. The Penang DOF is now filing police reports and opening investigation papers for each complaint related to violations of the Fisheries Act 1985, specifically involving the encroachment of trawlers into Zone A. 'Throughout last year, the Penang DOF received seven video-recorded complaints regarding the encroachment of fishing areas by trawler boats in Zones B1 and C. As a result, 13 trawlers were investigated, and enforcement actions were taken, including the issuance of fines amounting to RM6,000 fines and court charges,' she said. She also said that the DOG detained seven tugboats in Zone C, with a total fine and fish auction proceeds amounting to RM41,200, while further actions such as the suspension of Vessel Licenses and Fishing Licences for one year, complete equipment seizure, a five-year prohibition on vessel transfer, and court charges have been carried out. She added that her team appreciates the EAIC feedback and recommendations, and will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness of enforcement and compliance with the principles of integrity and good governance in the management of the country's fishery resources. Previously, the EAIC revealed several weaknesses in the Penang DOF, including the failure to take action against the encroachment of trawlers from Zone B to Zone A, as well as the failure to implement proper monitoring of the officers and enforcement personnel under its supervision. Furthermore, the EAIC also found that the Penang DOF management was not sensitive to the daily enforcement duties and the constraints faced by the officers and personnel at the base.
New Straits Times
13 hours ago
- New Straits Times
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.
