Deputy Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis said efforts are being made towards this.

“We are also constantly increasing enforcement in the area to ensure that pollution can be reduced more efficiently,” she said during question time today.

Isnaraissah (Warisan-Kota Belud) was replying to Larry Sng (PH-Julau), who asked if the government planned to amend existing laws to enhance the punishment under Section 34(b) of the act.

Presently, those convicted are liable to a fine of RM500,000 and a jail sentence of five years.

Minister Yeo Bee Yin previously said she had been in contact with the attorney-general on bringing multiple charges against one of the three men suspected of dumping chemical waste into Sungai Kim Kim.

Although the government announced that clean-up operations along 1.5km of the river are complete, reports have emerged of dumping in other spots as well.

Toxic fumes caused by chemical waste dumped into the river affected some 2,000 people, mostly pupils of schools in the area.

A total of 111 schools there have been ordered to close until further notice.