More education and stiffer penalties may go a long way

JOHOR BARU: The public plays a pivotal role in helping enforcement officers track down those polluting water resources, according to Johor Environment Department director Dr Mohd Famey Yusoff.

He said there were only about 100 enforcement officers in the department monitoring thousands of sources of pollution statewide.

“There are about 11,000 points statewide. This refers to sources such as factories, service centres, palm oil mills and other industries. It also includes biohazard waste from the medical industry and septic tanks from hotels and other similar establishments.

“We only have about 100 enforcement officers monitoring these sources, a small number compared to the areas we need to manage.

“As such, we really need the public’s help to be our eyes and ears and report any wrongdoing to the department,” he told The Star.

He also said people had become more aware of how important it was to inform the authorities about environmental problems.

“The public has been quick on channelling information on polluters, especially after the Sungai Kim Kim incident in 2019.

“A few days ago, we were able to track down pollution at Sungai Selangkah, which is linked to Sungai Kim Kim, thanks to members of the public who told us there was a strong diesel stench in the area,” he said.On the increase in penalties for those guilty of polluting water resources, he said the move would help to deter offenders, though it also came with its own challenges.

“When the penalties are higher, the burden of proof will also be heavier. We need to make sure that the investigations in each case are carried out very thoroughly.

“It is natural for those accused to take a step further to avoid facing such heavy penalties, and we need to be ready to face such legal fights,” Mohd Famey said.

The Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry is set to table amendments that will introduce fines of up to RM10mil, jail terms of up to 15 years, or both for those convicted of polluting water sources.

Its minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the heavier punishment would be introduced in amendments to the Water Industry Act 2006 that were scheduled to be tabled in the June sitting.

The present maximum fine is RM100,000, and a jail term is up to one year, or both.

“The amendments are being reviewed and scrutinised before being taken up for approval by the Attorney General’s Chambers and then tabled in the next meeting.

“The ministry is also looking into amendments to the Environment Quality Act 1974 to be carried out in two phases,” said Nik Nazmi during the Minister’s Question Time in Parliament on Thursday.

Meanwhile, environmental NGOs here said efforts to increase penalties for polluters should go hand in hand with increasing awareness and boosting enforcement.

Johor Green Earth Society president P. Sivakumar said it was more important to solve the root cause of the problem by educating the public instead of taking action after the pollution had already taken place.

“The more important thing to consider is educating the public, especially children, on the importance of protecting the environment.“Increasing penalties will also do little to affect change if there is not enough enforcement.

“We cannot take a firefighting approach in dealing with the environment, where issues are only taken seriously when something major happens. Enforcement should continue,” he said.

Safe Johor River founder Poh Pai Yik said while awareness is important, efforts to increase penalties could also deter the public from committing environmental crimes.

“Since the ministry announced the move, several industry players have contacted us to learn more about what they can do to avoid any wrongdoing.

“In a way, it has already sparked deterrence among industry players, who are worried that they may suffer severe consequences if they fail to comply.

“While awareness is important, there is no denying that such a steep increase in penalties could also push industry players to do the right thing,” he said.