AMPANG: Proposed amendments to the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655) could increase penalties for water pollution offences by up to tenfold, according to Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry's deputy minister stated that this harsher punishment is part of the proposed changes to the Act aimed at combating polluters and preventing water supply disruptions.
He explained, "Whenever pollution occurs, it's not just about contaminating the water source but also potentially causing the closure of the water supply system or disruption to users."
He further added, "We're considering punishments that can effectively deter these issues from recurring. The proposed changes could see offenders fined five to 10 times the current amount."
These remarks were made during a river-cleaning event in Ampang on Sunday (Oct 13).
Akmal Nasrullah also noted that the amendments are expected to be tabled in the upcoming Parliament session, beginning Monday (Oct 14).
He emphasized the need to make the Act "more dynamic, in line with the changing times," focusing particularly on increasing penalties and tightening the legal framework for prosecution.
