By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Nov 10 — Selangor has passed the Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) 2020 Bill which will pose as a stern warning against polluters, says Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
In a statement last night, Amirudin said the Bill was approved with 11 amendments which include increasing the minimum penalty to RM200,000 and setting the maximum fine of not more than RM1 million as well as a mandatory jail term to serve as a deterrent to future polluters.
“The amendments also include the polluters to pay to Luas the cleaning cost of the polluted water sources.
“Luas is also given the authority to impose charges for those who take extra water in efforts to control the use of water sources as to prevent wastage,” the statement read, referring to the amendments made to Section 44 under the Luas Enactment.
Amirudin said he is determined that the amendments, which carry heavier punishments against water polluters, would be able to solve river pollution issues in the state.
“The Selangor government is certain that the amendment to the law, including the additional measures tabled in the Belanjawan Selangor 2021 (2021 Selangor Budget), would be able to overcome the river pollution problems that could lead to the disruption of water supply to the users.
“Let these amendments be a harsh warning to anyone who has the intention to pollute (the environment) in Selangor,” Amirudin added.
Yesterday, the Selangor Legislative Assembly had passed the amendments tabled by the Menteri Besar on Friday, after receiving unanimous support from Pakatan Harapan (PH) state representatives and the Opposition bloc.
