PUTRAJAYA: The proposed amendment to the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655) to impose heavier punishments on environmental criminals is at final review, says Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (pic).
He said the amendment was expected to be tabled in Parliament this October.
"We are reviewing to increase the penalty rate to millions, including mandatory imprisonment for those who commit such offences.
"The amendment is made because the existing compound is low and does not commensurate (with the crime) ," he said after launching the Green Jobs Portal here on Thursday (June 30).
Act 655 which came into force on Jan 1, 2008 provides for a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both if convicted.
Among the proposed amendments is an increase in the fine from RM100,000 to RM10mill while the jail sentence is increased from one year to 15 years or both.
On Nov 3, 2020, Tuan Ibrahim was reported to have said that Act 655 was in the process of obtaining Cabinet approval before being tabled in Parliament. - Bernama
