KUALA LUMPUR: Five individuals suspected of dumping black liquid, believed to be chemical waste, into Sungai Linggiu near Kampung Orang Asli Pasir Intan are set to be charged in the Kota Tinggi Sessions Court today.
Johor police chief Datuk M. Kumar said the investigation papers had been submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers, which instructed charges be filed under Section 124K of the Penal Code for sabotage. If convicted, the accused could face imprisonment of 30 to 40 years.
"Three local men, aged between 23 and 52, will be charged under Section 124K of the Penal Code.
"Two others - a director and a shareholder of a factory in Seri Alam, Johor, aged 41 and 53 - will face charges under the same section, along with Section 109 for abetting sabotage," he said in a statement.
He said the offence under Section 124K of the Penal Code is considered an offence against the state as outlined in Part VI of the Penal Code.
Meanwhile, he said four other local men, previously detained, will be released on bail under Section 118 of the Criminal Procedure Code as prosecution witnesses.
"Protection of the environment is a shared responsibility of every layer of society to ensure sustainable development is preserved natural resources for future generations.
"Strict actions will be taken against anyone involved in pollution that threatens environmental sustainability." he said.
The public has been urged to assist authorities in combating such activities by providing information via the police hotline at 019-2792095 or the operations room at 07-2212999.
The Disaster Management Committee task force was mobilised yesterday, in response to the chemical pollution in the state capital.
The task force, headed by Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman, will coordinate efforts with relevant agencies to take appropriate measures, including cleaning up illegally dumped chemical waste.