Judge Zulkifli Abdullah imposed the fine after the company, represented by its project manager, Yang Chuangang, 51, pleaded guilty and paid RM42,690 in compensation to AKSB before the proceedings began.

The offence was committed on Sept 11, 2019, when the company made an illegal connection to a public water main at Section 12, Kota Bharu, without AKSB’s approval, Bernama reported.

The illegal use of treated water was discovered by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and AKSB following a complaint.

The water was used for large-scale construction work, which the company had undertaken as the main contractor since March 2017.

The charge, framed under Section 123(1) of the Water Services Industry Act 2006, carries a maximum fine of RM100,000, one year imprisonment, or both.

SPAN deputy public prosecutor Suhairy Zakaria and prosecuting officer Thilaga Shanmugam conducted the prosecution. The company had no legal representation.

Thilaga told the court the company had acted for commercial gain to complete the RM89 million project.

Yang, through a court interpreter, apologised to AKSB and said the company would not repeat the offence.