THE Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 that allows detention for up to 28 days could be used to arrest repeat polluters, said Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador.

In view of repeated pollution incidents, which have caused hardship, the procedural law could be used when investigating environmental crimes, he said.

“Among the police we have suggested that Sosma can be used against offences involving environmental pollution in repeated cases and where there is an element of sabotage.

“It was also suggested that such offences can be classified as premeditated crimes,” Hamid said at a press conference at the Cheras police training academy today.

He was commenting on the status of investigations into a pollution incident in Sg Gong, Rawang, which led to the shutdown of four water treatment plants on Thursday.

The shutdown caused disruptions to the water supply for nearly two million accounts across the Klang Valley for several days, with supply only restored in stages from Sunday.

Under Sosma, which is mostly used against suspected terrorists, no bail is allowed and police may also prevent detainees from meeting their families and lawyers for up to 48 hours.

Hamid said he would forward the proposal on Sosma’s use to the Home Ministry.

Police would request additional assistance if the power to use Sosma against environmental crimes is granted, similar to how police and the Wildlife and National Parks Department have collaborated to curb wildlife poaching and trade. – September 9, 2020.