Environment and water minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said this was among the proposed amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 which is currently being reviewed.

He said heavier penalties were needed as the existing compound fine provided under the act was too low.

“We want to increase the fine amount up to RM15 million and also impose mandatory imprisonment.

“This is because, in the event of pollution, we have to suspend the operation of water treatment plants and water operators have to deploy water tankers to provide water supply to residents.

“They have to bear millions of ringgit in cost to provide water supply while the plants are suspended, although the pollution was caused by other quarters,” Tuan Ibrahim told reporters after officiating the Kelantan-level work ballot draw ceremony under the ministry’s allocation here today.

Currently, Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 states that no person shall place, deposit or dispose of any scheduled waste on land or into waters, except at prescribed premises, without any prior written approval of the director-general of environment.

Anyone found guilty of violating the law is liable to a fine not exceeding RM500,000 or to imprisonment of not exceeding five years, or both.

Tuan Ibrahim said the amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 were expected to be tabled at the next Parliament sitting.