Selangor Journal
Najwan Halimi (in white) helping residents collect water at the Air Selangor local service centre in Section 4, Shah Alam, on September 4, 2020. — Picture via TWITTER

State rep calls for tighter rules to curb water pollution

By Norrasyidah Arshad

SHAH ALAM, Sept 4 — The laws regarding water pollution should be tightened to curb repeated incidents from taking place which would affect consumers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

Kota Anggerik state assemblyman Najwan Halimi said the Selangor Water Management Authority Enactment 1999 has to be amended to ensure heftier penalty can be taken against the perpetrators.

He told SelangorKini the amendment should include imprisonment and an increase in fines as many still continue to break the law due to the lax existing rules.

Commenting on the unscheduled water disruption affecting seven areas in the Klang Valley since yesterday, Najwan said he had suggested for the state government to hold a discussion with Putrajaya on tightening the said law.

“A discussion should be held with the Federal government to amend the Water Services Industry Act 2006 to include mandatory jail time,” said Najwan, who is also a member of the Selangor State Water Resources Special Selection Committee (JPK-SAS).

He said the select committee had also tabled the suggestion in July and had hoped that it would be carried out soon as there had been frequent water cuts affecting the people.

“It is said that the factory responsible behind this incident had previously been issued a compound over the same offence. Perhaps because they were able to pay up the compound they repeat the offence,” said Najwan, adding that the compound should be increased to RM1 million.

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