Amirudin: Selangor plans RM1mil fine, jail term for polluters

New Straits Times

14-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) Enactment will be strengthened to ensure environmental polluters can be punished, including fines of up to RM1 million and mandatory imprisonment of up to three years.
Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said this includes adding provisions that empower state enforcement authorities to conduct thorough investigations, including prosecution.
He said that although the sources of pollution were often identified, weaknesses in evidence gathering had resulted in many offenders escaping legal action.
"For example, odour pollution takes between 18 and 24 hours to reach the Selangor dam. If something happens in Batang Kali, it takes about 15 to 16 hours to get here, and the evidence is gone by then. That is one of the challenges we face.
"Sometimes we detect pollution, but cannot trace the source because it has already stopped – the culprit may have been 'responsible' enough to shut it down.
"So, while we manage to contain the issue, unfortunately, we are unable to catch or prosecute the offender," he said when met by reporters after the handover ceremony of the Raw Water Guarantee Scheme (SJAM) Package A and C project yesterday.
He also said very few polluters have been prosecuted under the amended LUAS Enactment, as the prosecution process falls under the Attorney-General's Chambers.
"Some cases have been prosecuted under the Environmental Quality Act or other existing laws in the country. Investigations were conducted, and the public prosecutor carried out prosecution.
"The public prosecutor has their discretion on which laws or regulations to apply, whether to use the Act or the Enactment. So far, no charges have been brought under the LUAS Enactment."
Amirudin added that a comprehensive water master plan is being developed to address all issues related to water supply in Selangor.
He said the plan would serve as a guideline for managing drought and excess rainfall.
"The plan is expected to be completed within a year and will cover aspects such as water storage, locations of retention ponds, and long-term flood control systems, with over 100 ponds identified across the state."