KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 5): The Environmental Quality (Amendment) 2022 Bill, which introduces a minimum fine and increases the maximum fine for pollution offences, was approved unanimously by the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Oct 5).
The bill to amend the existing Environmental Quality Act 1974 provides for stricter action and more appropriate punishment to be taken against environmental criminals.
It prescribes a minimum fine of RM5,000, a maximum fine of RM10 million, and mandatory imprisonment of up to five years.
Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said during the second reading of the bill that the existing act, which had gone through six amendment, did not provide for a minimum penalty.
“Previous amendments only involved enforcement procedures and increased the fine to RM500,000 for the offence of open burning, oil and waste pollution in Malaysian waters, illegal disposal of scheduled waste, and the offence of not complying with the approving conditions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA),” he said.
During his winding up speech on Wednesday, Tuan Ibrahim said the first phase of the amendment to the existing act was focused on punishments, fines, and penalties.
“This Phase 2 amendment draft will involve a comprehensive engagement session with relevant stakeholders, such as government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and industry parties,” he said.
He added that the ministry was currently refining the Phase 2 amendment with legal and environmental experts.
Later during a press conference at the Parliament building, Tuan Ibrahim told reporters that the amended act was expected to come into force within this year.
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