Water polluters may face RM10m fine and 15 years' jail

Those who pollute raw water sources could face heftier penalties as the punishment for such crimes will be increased by 100 folds from the current amount.

Natural Resources, Environmental and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said amendments to the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655), which will be tabled in Parliament by June, will see a proposed maximum fine set at RM10 million compared to the current penalty of RM100,000.

Nik Nazmi said the ministry has also proposed a new jail term for offenders by increasing the current one-year jail term to 15 years.

“In order to overcome incidents of pollution of water sources effectively, the ministry will amend the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655).

“It involves several specific sections, such as increasing the penalty period and the rate of fines for actions that risk causing pollution to any waterway or water supply system,” he said in a presser at the Parliament lobby today.

Also present at the press conference was Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.

Nik Nazmi stressed that the amendment to Act 655 is to combat rampant water pollution and it’s currently being reviewed by his ministry before it can be presented to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Other proposed amendments include introducing new offences such as actions that may lead to water supply disruptions and the release of any affluents or substances into water sources.

“Besides that, the other amendment will also include enabling licence holders and water operators and end users to demand compensation from offenders for the costs incurred to restore polluted water supply system,” said Nik Nazmi.

Amendments to environmental act

In addition to that, the Setiawangsa MP said the government will proceed with amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 that covers other forms of pollution.

“It will involve any forms of pollution, irrespective of location and jurisdiction of ministries, and will also see amendments to the compound and penalty,” Nik Nazmi said.

Meanwhile, Amirudin commended the federal government’s efforts in combating rampant water pollution by amending Act 655.

“The amendments will ensure the sustainability of water supply and raw water sources as well as to ensure that it’s in good condition.

“These water pollution incidents are often reported in Selangor, but they also happen in other states such as Pahang, Kedah, and Terengganu.

“In Selangor, we have increased the minimum fine to RM200,000 and not exceeding RM1 million. This can put pressure on and spark fear in offenders,” said Amirudin.

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