PETALING JAYA: A consumer can be fined up to RM300,000 or jailed up to three years, or both, for flouting restrictions imposed on water usage if a water emergency is declared by the authorities.
This is provided for under the Water Services Industry Act (Act 655) which came into force in 2006.
In such a situation, the restrictions include a ban on the use of hose or sprinklers to water a private garden or wash cars.
A National Water Services Commission (SPAN) spokesman told theSun that many consumers are not aware of the penalties provided under this Act in the event a water emergency is imposed.
An emergency would be declared if the water level in a dam is below the critical level.
In Selangor, the critical level for the Sungai Selangor dam is 30%.
When an emergency comes into force, Section 56 of the Act empowers the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water to prohibit or restrict both the general and specific use of water, or limit it to certain hours of the day.
Surcharges can also be applied on those who use more than what is considered a reasonable quota.
On the water situation in Selangor, the spokesman said the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry and SPAN are closely monitoring the situation to prepare for the next dry season, forecast to occur from June to September. TheSun Daily