A man from China has been fined RM10 million and faces a potential five-year jail sentence after being charged with releasing chemical waste into Selangor's inland waterways last month. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty at the Selangor Sessions Court.

According to a report by BERNAMA, the man's actions allegedly led to odor pollution that forced the shutdown of the Rantau Panjang and Sungai Selangor Phase 1, 2, and 3 water treatment plants on July 23. The incident caused widespread water supply disruptions, affecting over 1,000 locations across seven regions in the Klang Valley.

Department of Environment (JAS) Director-General Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaafar stated that the charge was brought under Section 25(3) of the Environmental Quality Act (Amendment) 2024, in conjunction with Section 251) of the same act. Judge Nor Rajiah Mat Zin denied the accused's bail application and scheduled September 10 for the submission of documents.

The authorities have emphasized that strict action will be taken against any party, including industry players, found guilty of polluting the environment.

Source: Bernama