KUALA LUMPUR – A massive amendment to the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655) is on the cards to increase the punishment for those who pollute water sources and supplies to 100 times the current amount.
Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad told the Dewan Rakyat today that the new proposed maximum fine will be set at RM10 million, a staggering increase from the current RM100,000 penalty.
The maximum jail term for committing an offence will also be increased from one year to 15 years.
He said the amendment to Act 655 is currently being reviewed by the ministry before being presented to the Attorney-General’s Chambers, and is expected to be tabled in Parliament during its next sitting in June.
“The ministry views the incidents of water supply pollution seriously. We are facing a huge challenge to ensure sustainable development.
“Dangerous disposal of domestic wastes into water sources must be handled holistically and proactively,” he said.
Nik Nazmi said other than the increase in penalty for those who cause water pollution, two other amendments will be made to Act 655.
One introduces new offences such as actions that may lead to water supply disruptions and the release of any affluents or substances into water sources.
The other amendment will allow water operators and end users to demand compensation from offenders for the costs incurred to restore polluted water supplies.
Separately, acknowledging the limitations of Act 655, which is focused solely on water, Nik Nazmi said amendments will also be made to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 within this parliamentary term, which covers other forms of pollution.
“We intend to move forward with this amendment. It will involve any forms of pollution, regardless of location and jurisdiction, and will also see amendments to the compound and penalty.
“I would also like to inform you that the ministry is also conducting several nature-based solutions to provide education and awareness to the public on sustainability and the importance of ensuring the quality of river water.”
The minister was responding to questions from Che Alias Hamid (Kemaman-PN) on the ministry’s commitment to amend Act 655 to ensure stiffer punishments for those who pollute water sources.
Nik Nazmi also affirmed the government’s commitment to act hard on those who sabotage the country’s water supplies, citing several examples of actions that have already been taken against offenders in recent years.
He added that water disruption does not solely involve pollution, but also actions that may cause reserve margins to drop below the minimum 15% level, and affect interconnectivity between water treatment plants and and rate of non-revenue water. – The Vibes, February 16, 2023
