Auditor General finds RM2.55 million paid by Marine Department without legal basis

The Auditor General's Report 2/2026, tabled in Parliament, identified RM2.55 million in allowances and benefits paid by the Marine Department in 2025 that lacked statutory authority. Disbursements were made through the Light Dues Fund (RM2.31 million) and the Maritime Trade Centre Fund (RM239,784) without reference to the Federal Light Dues Act 1953, the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, or the Financial Procedure Act 1957.

The audit detailed that the department’s chairman, board members and officers received yearly allowances between RM60,000 and RM217,000, plus fixed monthly allowances totalling RM765,016 from the Light Dues Fund and RM203,685 from the Maritime Trade Centre Fund. Extra perks, including meeting attendance and device allowances, contributed an additional RM1.58 million. In response, the Marine Department cited internal regulations approved by the Light Dues Board in 2016, but the Auditor General recommended an immediate suspension of payments and a comprehensive review by the Finance Ministry of all trust-fund allocations.