Wednesday, February 10, 2010

November 17, 2009 23:32 PM

Melaka DoE Offers Discounts On Fines For Environmental Offences

MELAKA, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- The Melaka Department of Environment (DoE) will offer discounts on fines imposed for environmental offences.

Its director Abd Hapiz A Samad said lorry, bus and taxi operators whose vehicles emitted black smoke exceeding the limits stipulated in the Environmental Quality Act 1974, would have to pay only RM300 of the RM2,000 maximum fine.

"For environmental offences committed by industries or individuals, the fine is RM500 of the RM2,000 maximum," he said after the opening of the Melaka River Management and Quality Enhancement seminar by state Local Government and Environment Committee chairman, Datuk Latiff Tamby Chik, here Tuesday.

Abd Hapiz said the discounts would be effective for offences committed in Melaka and payments could be made from Dec 7 to 11 at the Melaka DoE office only in conjunction with the Fine Reduction Week campaign for environmental offences.

From January to October this year, the fines on 70 summonses had not been paid, compared with only 40 in the same period last year and 20 in 2007.

Abd Hapiz said for failing to settle the fines, the offenders would be charged in court and if convicted, could be fined up to RM100,000 or sentenced to two years' jail or both.

-- BERNAMA

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