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Waters Act 1920.

Country/Territory
Malaysia
Document type
Legislation
Date
1920 (1989)
Source
FAO, FAOLEX
Original source
Official Gazette, pp. 1-25.
Long title
An Act to provide for rivers and streams.
Subject
Water
Keyword
Basic legislation Inland waters Water rights Freshwater resources management Authorization/permit Water charges Water abstraction Freshwater pollution Effluent waste water/discharge Flood Pollution control
Geographical area
Asia, Asia and the Pacific, East Asian Seas, South-Eastern Asia
Entry into force notes
The date of entry into force of the present Act has been fixed at 28 December 1989, pursuant to Section 6(1) (xxiii) of the Revision of Laws Act of 1968.
Abstract

An Act to provide for the control of rivers and streams. According to the provisions of article 3, "the entire property in and control of all rivers in any State is and shall be vested solely in the Ruler of such State". Therefore, the Act provides for the restoration of river banks in case of interference by private persons. The diversion of water from rivers for private, domestic, industrial and other purposes or for the cultivation of rice as well as any other act affecting rivers are subject to the issuance of a licence by the State Authority. As far as the pollution of rivers is concerned, the Act prohibits the discharge of waste and any other poisonous, noxious or polluting substance, unless expressely authorized by the State Authority. Further provisions concern the withdrawal of the licences, the fees to be paid for their issuance and the penalties to be applied in case of contravention.

Full text
English