SYARIKAT Air Negeri Sembilan (Sains) was fined RM220,000 by the Sessions Court in Seremban today for two counts of failing to comply with the standard terms and conditions set in the individual licence.

Judge Ahmad Fairuz Mohd Puzi meted out the fine to Sains after its legal division manager Zainal Abidin Mohd Khamis, representing the company, pleaded guilty to the charge that was read out by court interpreter.

On the first charge, Sains had allegedly failed to comply with the standard terms and conditions prescribed for individual licence by authorising several activities to Hatimuda Sdn Bhd, to manage, operate and maintain the Sungai Terip Water Treatment Plant without giving written notice to the National Water Services Commission (Span) 60 days before it was delegated.

The company allegedly committed the offence at Sungai Terip Water Treatment Plant, KM10, Jalan Jelebu, near here on October 27 2015.

On the second charge, Sains had allegedly committed the same offence on the same date at the Ngoi-Ngoi Water Treatment Plant, KM17, Jalan Jelebu, near Seremban.

Sains had allegedly failed to conduct the selection process of Hatimuda Sdn Bhd as the contractor through competitive bidding for individual licence special terms set by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water.

For both offences, Sains was charged under Section 10(1)(a) and 10(1)(b) of the Water Services Industry Act and punishable under Section 10(2) of the same Act that carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 and maximum imprisonment of five years, or both, upon conviction.

Fairuz fixed a RM110,000 fine for each charge. – Bernama, October 17, 2017.