Government should sufficiently empower environmental enforcement law officers

The police used Section 430 of the Penal Code to extend the remand of the people suspected of polluting Sungai Gong in Selangor in September 2020. — CK LEE/China Press

I refer to the report “Sg Gong pollution: Remand of four factory managers extended by five days" (The Star, Sept 10, 2020). According to the report, the four were remanded for a further five days in accordance with section 430 of the Penal Code to enable further investigation into the water pollution incident that caused a supply disruption to millions in the Klang Valley.

Section 430 provides for an offence of mischief by causing a diminution in the supply of water for agricultural purposes, or for food or drink for human beings or for animals. It provides for a jail term of between five and 30 years or a fine, or both, upon conviction.