PETALING JAYA: The Marine Department approved RM2.55mil in allowances and amenity payouts from two public trust funds, according to the Auditor-General’s Report.
The A-G’s Report series 2/2026, tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 5), flagged the payment of allowances and amenities last year from the Light Dues Fund (RM2.31mil) and the Maritime Trade Center Fund (RM239,784).
According to the report, the allowances were approved by the Light Dues Fund Board and the Maritime Trade Centre Fund Committee when they lacked the legal authority to do so.
According to the report analysis, the chairman, board members, and Marine Department officers received allowances and amenities ranging between RM60,000 and RM217,000 per person per year, involving fixed monthly allowances totaling RM765,016 from the Light Dues Fund
"From the Maritime Trade Centre Fund, the chairman and fund committee and Marine Department officers received between RM21,200 and RM68,835 per person per year, involving fixed monthly allowances totaling RM203,685.
"In addition to fixed allowances, other perks (meeting attendance, digital device, ceremonial attire allowances, etc) were taken from the Light Dues Fund and the Maritime Trade Centre Fund totaling RM1,547,505 and RM36,099 respectively," the report stated.
"Both funds are public funds whose usage is subject to the (respective) constitutional/governing laws under the Financial Procedure Act 1957 and the financial regulations which are currently in force," it added.
To address these weaknesses and prevent recurrence, the report said the Marine Department must stop paying the said allowances and amenities until the position of the legal interpretation regarding this matter and the financial procedures for each payment category are finalised.
"The Transport Ministry must consult with the Finance Ministry to take appropriate coordination action regarding the legal framework and any other suitable actions," it added.
"The Finance Ministry, responsible for all matters relating to the financial affairs of the Federation, holds jurisdiction and must review all payments of allowances or any amenities paid through government trust funds and public trust funds," it read.
In response to the report, the Marine Department defended its disbursement and said the approval of the allowances was fully legal, self-approved under valid 2016 board regulations and handled with proper governance.
