KUCHING: Sarawak is reviewing the state Water Ordinance to increase the penalty for damage to water pipes by third parties, says state Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi.
He said the current penalty of RM5,000, excluding the cost of repairs, was very low compared to a maximum of RM50,000 in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.
"We propose that the penalty should be reviewed on the higher side so that it will be a deterrent to third parties involved in construction work and other works near water pipes.
"The penalty should be commensurate with the damage caused because any disruption to the water supply affects the public," he told reporters after delivering his winding-up speech in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Monday (Nov 18).
Julaihi said his ministry would work closely with the state Attorney General's Chambers on the proposed amendments to the Water Ordinance.
Asked how much the proposed penalty would be, he said it should not be lower than that imposed elsewhere in the country.
In his speech earlier, Julaihi said there have been frequent disruptions in water supply lately due to negligence by third parties, including contractors doing construction work, as well as traffic accidents and vandalism.
He said damaged water pipes took a long time to be repaired and affected water supply services.
"Water supply agencies also suffer losses in terms of non-revenue water," he said.
Non-revenue water refers to water that has been produced but is lost before it reaches customers.
"My ministry takes this matter seriously. We are studying and considering an amendment to the relevant section in the Water Ordinance for a higher penalty," Julaihi said.
