JOHOR BARU: Amendments to the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655) are expected to be tabled in Parliament in November, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah - who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister - said that the amendments would include stricter fines reaching up to RM10mil.
He added that the government has recently launched a task force to combat river pollution, which involves federal and state governments and key stakeholders.
Fadillah then said that the task force will focus on strengthening laws and improving infrastructure to address the root causes of pollution.
“One of the key steps being taken is the amendment to the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655), which has already been approved by the Cabinet and is expected to be tabled in Parliament during the November session this year.
“We aim to broaden and clarify the definitions of rivers and pollution to close existing legal loopholes, allowing us to take more decisive action against those responsible for contamination,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after the officiating ceremony of the national level celebration of World Water Day at Kampung Bakar Batu near Sungai Tebrau on Saturday (Sept 21).
Fadillah added that the amendments will also increase penalties for offenders with fines between RM1mil and could rise to RM10mil, with the possibility of imprisonment.
“While stricter penalties are crucial if offences occur, prevention is our priority. Raising public awareness and involving NGOs and local communities in the protection and restoration of rivers is essential,” he said.
Fadillah then said that one of the primary sources of pollution are outdated sewage systems.
"Our country has old sewage systems that are not connected to centralised treatment facilities, leading to untreated sewage flowing directly into rivers. This is something we are working to stop,” he added.
The government has already implemented a centralised sewerage system in Sarawak, and a similar system is being planned at the national level to prevent untreated waste from entering the rivers.
Fadillah also said that he hopes that stricter enforcement along with public engagement, will help reduce pollution and protect the nation’s rivers for future generations.
