A man from China was fined RM10 million and is facing a jail term of 5 years on charges of releasing chemical waste into inland waterways in Selangor last month.
The man, however, pleaded not guilty at the Selangor Sessions Court. In a report by BERNAMA, the accused is said to have committed the act that caused the odor pollution and the shutdown of Rantau Panjang and Sungai Selangor Phase 1, 2, and 3 water treatment plants (LPA) on 23 July.
Department of Environment (JAS) Director-General Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaafar said the charge was made in accordance with Section 25(3) of the Environmental Quality Act (Amendment) 2024 (AKAS) read together with Section 251) of the same act.
“Judge Nor Rajiah Mat Zin did not allow the bail application for the accused and set September 10 for the submission of documents,” Wan said.
Earlier, more than 1,000 locations in 7 regions in the Klang Valley experienced unscheduled water supply disruptions following the closure of four water treatment plans due to odor pollution incidents in Sungai Kundang and Sungai Sembah, Selangor.
“Strict action will be taken against any party including industry players who are found to be polluting the environment.”