Tougher legal penalties introduced to address Klang Valley water disruptions

THE Federal Government has introduced sweeping legal reforms aimed at curbing water supply disruptions in the Klang Valley, as pollution at raw water sources continues to force treatment plant shutdowns.

In a response to Senator Tiew Way Keng in the Dewan Negara on Wednesday, Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said recent amendments to the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655) had been gazetted and came into force on 1 March 2025.

“The ministry takes seriously the issue of unscheduled water supply interruptions that force water treatment plants to cease operations, especially in the Klang Valley,” it said. “These disruptions are often not only due to burst pipes but also to contamination of raw water sources.”

Under the amended legislation, the penalties for polluters have been significantly increased. The maximum fine for offences involving water source contamination has been raised from RM100,000 to RM15 million, while custodial sentences now extend up to 15 years.

The revised Act also introduces new offences, including actions that may lead to water supply shutdowns and the discharge of sewage or prohibited effluents into catchment areas.

Additionally, licensed water operators are now legally entitled to recover the costs of restoring supply systems that have been compromised by contamination.

“These amendments are intended to help ensure a more stable and sustainable water supply in the Klang Valley and other high-risk areas,” said the ministry.

It also noted the enhancement of monitoring and complaints mechanisms, including improvements to the SPAN Information Complaint System (sisMAS), alongside the continued work of the National River Quality Degradation Response Committee (JKKAS).

However, the ministry emphasised that safeguarding water sources must be a shared responsibility.

“I wish to highlight that the prevention of pollution incidents is not the sole responsibility of this ministry, but one that involves all parties, particularly state governments,” it said.

“States must monitor all development near water catchment zones and enforce effective controls to ensure uninterrupted access to clean water.” - August 27, 2025