Charles Santiago, who is also the former Klang MP, said regulating the sector instead of imposing punitive measures would prove more effective in preventing incidences of pollution.
He was commenting on natural resources, environment and climate change minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad’s proposal to increase the punishment for water pollution from RM100,000 to RM10 million and the maximum jail time from one year to 15 years, or both.
“Presently, the collection and disposal of hazardous waste is unregulated. Therefore, many businesses look for the cheapest contractors to dispose of their waste,” Santiago told FMT.
“So, instead of trying to prevent pollution where it occurs, we should look at the point at which waste leaves a factory or premises.”
He said all waste management companies handling hazardous waste must be licensed and must abide by regulations developed by the relevant authorities, including the transport ministry, environment department and local councils.
The transport ministry should be the lead authority as the disposal of waste primarily involves its transportation, he said.
“Local authorities would have the data on the factories and premises that need to dispose of waste.
“With regulation and a monitoring mechanism, we can track the lorries of licensed hazardous waste companies from the point of collection to the proper disposal sites.”
Santiago said it would also be easier for the police and the road transport department to detect unauthorised vehicles carrying hazardous waste on the road than it would be to monitor waterways around the country.
Meanwhile, Global Environment Centre river care programme manager K Kalithasan believes stronger minimum punishments will deter polluters.
“The maximum fine will not always be imposed, so it’s important to have a high minimum figure. The minimum fine should be at least RM1 million,” he said.
He also said the government should name and shame those responsible for pollution.
It was previously reported that in 2021, a total of 23 rivers were polluted, resulting in water disruptions to thousands of households and businesses.