River polluters could still face jail, RM10mil fine

PETALING JAYA: Those found guilty of polluting a river that caused massive water cuts in the Klang Valley earlier this week could face a mandatory five-year jail term and a maximum RM10mil fine, says Jamaliah Jamaluddin (pic).

These penalties are as outlined under Section 25 of the Environmental Quality Act, said Jamaliah, who is in charge of Selangor’s health and environment portfolio.

It was earlier reported that two individuals who had been detained by the Environment Department are being investigated under Section 25 of the Environmental Quality Act.

She said this in response to reports that the culprits behind the pollution, which was traced to a facility processing acrylic materials in Jalan Kampung Orang Asli, Kuang, in Rawang, had only been 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 investigating the duo under a different law, namely 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.

The odour pollution in the river had led to the shutdown of four water treatment plants in Selangor, causing a cut in water supply to thousands of households.