The state government said it welcomes the readiness of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change to amend the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655).
State executive councillor for environment Hee Loy Sian said it was time for the unity government to realise the amendments after three years since its proposal during the previous administration.
“I hope the government can implement this amendment soon because it has taken a long time,” he said.
Hee explained that the increase in fines of up to RM10 million is important to give awareness to large manufacturers who have not taken environmental issues seriously.
The Kajang representative suggested that the government add clauses such as mandatory prison, in addition to requiring polluters to carry out cleaning-up work at their own cost.
“All this time, the government has had to pay high costs for cleaning work. It is not fair to the taxpayers,” he said.
Natural Resources Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad yesterday announced that the government will amend the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655) at the Parliament session next June.
The amendment will impose heavier penalties on those who pollute water sources, from RM100,000 to RM10 million and a year’s imprisonment will be increased to 15 years or both.
