Put river polluters behind bars, experts urge

PETALING JAYA: Heftier punishments are necessary to deal with companies that cause river pollution, say environmental experts.

Universiti Teknologi Mara’s (UiTM) School of Engineering senior lecturer Dr Nurul Fariha Lokman said the proposed amendments to introduce harsher punishment under the Water Services Industry Act were much needed following continuous violations, especially those committed by industrial clusters along rivers.

“As our rivers continue to face the threat of pollution, the amendment to the Act is vital to mitigate the risks of, if not to stop altogether, pollution from industries affecting water intakes.

“The penalty needs to be more stringent to be commensurate with the severity of the offences.

“Mandatory jail sentences should definitely be considered,” said Nurul Fariha, who is also head of facility at UiTM’s Institute of Leadership and Development (ILD).

The Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry is expected to table the amendments in the Dewan Rakyat in June.

The amendments include increasing the water pollution fine to RM10mil from the current RM100,000, and the jail sentence to 15 years from one year.