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RM1,000 fine, 7-day suspension mere slap on the wrist for odour pollution incident: Santiago | Scoop
SPAN chairman Charles Santiago demands an explanation for the Selayang Municipal Council's light penalties, as well as why other local government acts imposing harsher penalties were not used. – Sairien Nafis/Scoop file pic, July 24, 2024
News

RM1,000 fine, 7-day suspension mere slap on the wrist for odour pollution incident: Santiago

SPAN chairman asserts that incident that caused significant water supply disruptions in Klang Valley was not sufficiently punished

Main Author Image
Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain
Updated
10:07 PM MYT

 

 KUALA LUMPUR – National Water Services Commission (SPAN) chairman Charles Santiago has questioned the Selayang Municipal Council’s decision to impose the “slap on the wrist” penalties against the factory implicated in a recent odour pollution incident in Sg Kundang and Sg Sembah. 

Responding to the RM1,000 compound and seven-day licence suspension issued against the factory today, Santiago noted that “light” penalties will be an ineffective deterrent against pollution-related offences. 

The local council had reportedly imposed the penalties under Section 11 of the Refuse Collection, Removal and Disposal By-Laws 2007 for discharging effluents at places other than those designated by local authorities. 

“The local council needs to explain to the public why they used this particular section against the company involved. Why were other local government acts that provide heavier penalties not used?

“Compelling evidence against the factory should be made known to the public to show that the incident was a case of negligence instead of an intentional offence,” Santiago said when contacted by Scoop. 

The former DAP parliamentarian pointed to Section 121 of the Water Services Industry Act 2006, which states that a person who intentionally contaminates a water supply system can be liable to a fine of up to RM500,000 or a maximum 10-year imprisonment term. 

“If the section is read together with provisions under the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code, it would allow for the immediate arrest of individuals involved. 

“With laws like these available, it’s unclear why the local council resorted to using the particular bylaw,” he added. 

The local council had reportedly found that the source of the pollution was traced back to premises in Kuang, Gombak, with the substance leak said to have been caused by the factory owner’s negligence. 

Santiago also commended the Environment Department’s move to detain two individuals to assist in its investigation into the incident, which forced the temporary shutdown of the Rantau Panjang, Sg Selangor Phase 1, Sg Selangor Phase 2, and Sg Selangor Phase 3 water treatment plants yesterday. 

The case is being investigated under Section 25 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Amendment 2024), which provides for mandatory imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to RM10 million if convicted of river pollution. 

Meanwhile, Santiago disclosed that SPAN’s proposed amendments to the Water Services Industry Act include a provision allowing consumers to take legal action against those found to have intentionally polluted water sources. 

“The proposal to amend the act will afford consumers a statutory right to take legal action against polluters, thus ensuring companies are held to a greater level of adherence to the law. 

“Currently, the public has no recourse when unscheduled water supply interruptions affect their businesses or cause financial losses. The proposed amendments will make it much more difficult for companies to pollute water sources.” 

The proposed amendments, Santiago said, have been submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for approval. – July 24, 2024

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