By Khairul Azran Hussin
SHAH ALAM, Nov 9 — The Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas) (Amendment) Bill 2020 aimed at amending the Luas Enactment 1999 was passed to include heftier penalties against polluters.
The bill, which was tabled by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari on Friday, saw the unanimous support from Pakatan Harapan (PH) state representatives and the Opposition bloc who attended the Selangor Legislative Assembly sitting here today.
The amendment includes increasing the maximum fine of RM100,000 to a minimum fine of RM200,000 or not exceeding RM1 million, and a mandatory jail term.
The Bill also allows Luas to claim the cleaning costs of the rivers from the polluters.
Other amendments include:
1. To create the Luas deputy director post
2. To allow the Luas deputy director to execute the duties of the director if the latter is not able to perform his/her duty or is on leave
3. To increase the number of committee members who are given an allowance. This is to allow thorough participation from all parties
4. To improve orders given to any individuals or enforcement officers as part of the conservation process of raw water sources
5. To allow Luas to impose surcharges for excess usage of water to curb wastage of water supply
6. To grant seizure powers without a warrant to the director or police officer of and above the rank of inspector
7. The court may order forfeiture of assets seized even though no charges were made
8. Claims for damages is not allowed from the seizure of assets
9. To allow Luas to reward whistle-blowers
