Penang Passes Water Resources Bill For Integrated, Holistic Management
GEORGE TOWN, May 22 (Bernama) -- The Penang Legislative Assembly today passed the Penang Water Resources Bill 2025 to manage the state's water resources in a more integrated, holistic and sustainable manner.
The Bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by six assemblymen from the government and opposition blocs.
When tabling the Bill earlier, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, said its introduction is a strategic move toward integrated management of water use, development and protection to enhance greater efficiency.
He explained that the new enactment is necessary to replace the Water Enactment of 1967, which is outdated and limited in scope, as it only grants authority through district officers and lacks the provisions required to meet current needs.
'In addition, there are gaps in existing federal laws, such as the Environmental Quality Act 1974, that hinder a comprehensive approach to addressing water pollution,' he said.
"With mounting pressure from population growth, rapid development and the effects of climate change, water management requires a more systematic, efficient approach backed by strong legal authority,' said Zairil.
He explained that the Bill would provide a solid legal foundation for stricter monitoring and enforcement, the integration of smart technologies in water management, and clearer definitions of the rights and responsibilities of various stakeholders in safeguarding water resources.
As such, he said the state government is confident that the Bill, comprising 61 clauses across 10 parts, will offer a clearer legal framework to govern the abstraction, use, conservation and quality of water resources on the island.
The assembly also passed the Penang Water Resources Board Bill 2025, along with two motions: the Special Report of the Committee on Standing Orders of the Penang Legislative Assembly, and the activation of the Select Committee on Federal-State Relations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
38 minutes ago
- The Star
Laos President commends Malaysian Chief Justice's visit to deepen judicial ties
- Photo: Laos News Agency VIENTIANE: (Bernama-KPL) President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, on Wednesday (June 4) expressed his appreciation for the leadership of Chief Justice of Malaysia, Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, in visiting Laos, underscoring the visit's significance in deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the judicial sector. According to the Laos News Agency (KPL), Tengku Maimun is on an official visit to the country from Tuesday (June 3) until Friday (June 6). Thongloun noted that this exchange contributes meaningfully to strengthening ties between the two nations and fosters long-term support, mutual assistance, and the sharing of judicial experiences. The President also voiced strong support for ongoing collaboration between the judicial bodies of Laos and Malaysia and emphasised the Laos' commitment to nurturing its longstanding relations with Malaysia, an important Asean partner with a shared history of cooperation. He highlighted 2026 as a milestone year, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Tengku Maimun thanked President Thongloun for the warm welcome and outlined the objectives of her visit. She said the trip aims to enhance judicial cooperation among Asean countries and to support Laos in its preparations to establish the Laos Lawyers' Association, which is a step towards seeking membership in the Asean Law Association. - Bernama-KPL
The Star
38 minutes ago
- The Star
Thailand unveils landmark entertainment complex to boost economy, tourism
BANGKOK: (Bernama) Thailand has unveiled plans for a landmark "Thailand Entertainment Complex' project, aimed at boosting economic growth, attracting international tourists and strengthening its global competitiveness. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said the project was part of efforts to position Thailand as a premier destination for world-class attractions. "The complex is envisioned as a new economic engine, fostering tourism revenue and creating innovative industries to ensure sustainable economic growth,' he said in a statement on Thursday (June 5). The entertainment complex is anticipated to generate 12 to 40 billion baht in annual tax revenue while creating thousands of jobs, he said. Julapun said the government has submitted a draft bill to the House of Representatives to establish a regulatory framework for the complex. Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, Suksit Srichomkwan, said the complex will include a casino, which will operate under strict legal conditions and anti-money laundering measures. It will also feature concert halls, large convention and exhibition centres, amusement parks, museums, Michelin-starred restaurants, and green spaces for outdoor activities. The project will be financed by private investment, sparing public funds, he said. - Bernama
The Star
40 minutes ago
- The Star
Tougher measures to clean up Johor
Onn Hafiz says the state government will use AI-based monitoring systems. Johor government will set up a special task force as part of a renewed effort to address illegal rubbish dumping. Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said they aimed to implement a more comprehensive strategy against offenders. The announcement comes as official figures highlight the ongoing challenge. Last year, local councils statewide handled 2,206 cases of illegal rubbish dumping, with compounds reaching RM654,210. This trend has continued as another 634 cases were recorded, with compounds worth RM202,700 as of April this year, Onn Hafiz revealed. The intensified approach, he said, follows a decree from Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim. 'It is time we stop tolerating littering, whether on the streets or in the rivers,' he said at the state assembly sitting in Bangunan Sultan Ismail, Kota Iskandar. As of April this year, 634 cases of illegal dumping were recorded in Johor. — Filepic Onn Hafiz acknowledged that current laws, including the Local Government Act 1976 and Environmental Quality Act 1974, were proving insufficient. 'The penalties are no longer strong deterrents, especially when compared to other countries with stricter enforcement and heavier fines,' he said. 'As such, the state government can no longer rely solely on existing approaches. 'We must take more radical and firm steps,' he said, adding that among them included raising the minimum compound rate and reviewing outdated by-laws. Onn Hafiz said the task force would focus on three key areas, the first being strengthening enforcement and reviewing outdated by-laws. 'It will also step up civic education and public awareness campaigns, as exemplified by Japan's cleanliness culture,' he elaborated. Additionally, the task force will deploy artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems at hotspots to speed up offender detection and prosecution. In his opening address at the assembly, Tunku Ismail had instructed the authorities to impose stricter punishment on those who continue to dump rubbish illegally. He said the state government and federal agencies must work together to address the issue.
