Ling wants MACC to probe ‘inaction’ on alleged illegal fishing
MACC can probe as to why the relevant agencies are not taking actions on the reports by local fishermen.
MIRI: Former Piasau assemblyman Alan Ling wants the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission ( MACC) to act on reports by local fishermen that the enforcement agencies are not taking any action against illegal fishing by foreigners despite tip- offs.
“MACC can probe as to why the relevant agencies are not taking actions on the reports by local fishermen,” Ling told The Borneo Post yesterday.
Ling was responding to news reports that the Fisheries Department and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency had not taken any action against the illegal immigrants despite being informed by local fishermen of their movements, whereabouts and the boats they were using.
“It is for the authorities to look for more information, the public’s role is only to tip them off,” Ling emphasised.
Ling lamented that there exists a misconception that the public is required to give ‘ more than
Alan Ling, Former Piasau assemblyman
necessary’ information to the authorities.
“Bearing in mind, a tip- off being tip- off, it is a piece of information, just that, no more no less, the rest is for the authorities to dig out,” he said.
Ling, who is also a practising lawyer, said upon receiving the tip- off, the duty lies on the trained investigating officer with authority under the law to act further by gathering legally acceptable evidences as part and parcel of the investigation and later prosecute in court if evidence is deemed sufficient in the eyes of law.
“Please do not expect normal public to do more than required, they are not trained investigators with the knowledge and sophisticated devices in hand to find out more and produce them to the authority. To do so will scare away the public from coming forward.”
He empathised with the local fishermen who faced “rice bowl risk” unfairly due to poor and inconsistent enforcement by the relevant authorities.
“DAP Sarawak lawmakers will consider to move a motion for debate in the upcoming Parliament or State Legislative Assembly sitting if the responsible authorities are still sleeping on their jobs,” stressed Alan Ling who is the state DAP secretary.