Developers May Be Fined RM100,000 If They Cause Potholes And Other Damage To Roads
Hefty fines for blocking pavements as well.
By Alyssa J. Oon — 17 Oct 2018, 05:06 PM
Dewan Rakyat has officially passed amendments to the Street, Drainage, and Building Act 1974 that would see hefty fines for those who damage public roads
The amendments were passed during yesterday's, 16 October, session in the Dewan Rakyat.
The amendment under Section 39 increases the current fine of RM1,000 to RM100,000 for the offence of damaging public roads, pedestrian pathways, five-foot ways, or other property of the local authorities, reported theSundaily.
However, it will only apply to developers and utility companies which cause the damage.
Additionally, the Act can be gazetted by state governments for use on roads under the purview of the Public Works Department (JKR), rural and state roads
The Act only covers offences committed on the streets under the jurisdiction of the local authorities, reported Free Malaysia Today.
Local authorities are any city council, municipal council, town council, town board, local council, rural board, or similar local authority.
Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin told Dewan Rakyat, "The ministry had a meeting of the National Council for Local Government which was attended by the relevant state executive councillors and they agreed to adopt this amendment with regard to their respective local authorities."
Meanwhile, the offence of taking up space on the pavement without written permission from the local or other lawful authorities was increased to RM50,000
Previously, the fine for the offence was a mere RM500.
"They will have to get written consent before carrying out any works that could affect such properties belonging to the local councils," Zuraida said, reported Malay Mail.
Here's the full definition of the offence from the Act:
"Any person who displaces, takes up, or makes any alteration
in the pavement, flags, or other materials, or in the fences or posts
of any public street without the prior written permission of the
local authority or without other lawful authority shall be liable on
conviction to a fine."