The Star: S'gor polluters still face mandatory jail terms, fines of up to RM10mil if found guilty, says exco rep

KUALA LUMPUR: A mandatory jail term of up to five years and a fine of up to RM10mil under Section 25 of the Environmental Quality Act will be imposed on the culprits behind the recent water pollution case in Selangor if they are found guilty, says Jamaliah Jamaluddin (pic).

The Selangor health and environment committee chairman said this in a statement on Thursday (July 25), seeking to clarify reports that the culprits of the Sungai Kuang river pollution were only fined RM1,000 and had their business licence suspended for seven days.

"The RM1,000 fine and suspension of the business licence are just based on the local authority's by-law.

"There are other laws that will come into play once the investigation papers are ready," Jamaliah said.

She added that the Selangor Water Management Board (Luas) is also wrapping up an investigation under Section 79(1) of the Luas Enactment 1999, which carries a minimum fine of RM200,000 up to a maximum of RM1mil and a mandatory jail term not exceeding three years.

Earlier, it was reported that two people had been detained over the odour pollution that led to the shutdown of four water treatment plants in Selangor, causing a cut in water supply to thousands of households.

Confirming the detention, the Environment Department said they were being held to assist in investigations under Section 25 of the Environmental Quality Act.

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