4 Indonesians charged over Sungai Muda pollution

Four Indonesian contract workers were charged in the Sungai Petani Sessions Court today with causing pollution to the Sungai Muda river on Nov 12.

No plea was recorded from the four men – Dedi Hardianto, 32; Bestian, 38; Andika Safutra, 32; and Ade Pitria, 33 – as they did not understand the charge read out to them before judge Azman Abu Hassan.

The court set Dec 22 for mention, for an interpreter to read the charges to them in the Indonesian language.

According to the charge, they were alleged to have jointly committed mischief by causing a diminution in the supply of water by polluting Sungai Muda, which indirectly led to the closure of the water treatment plants at Jeniang Baru, Jeniang Lama and Sungai Pau, Gurun.

The offence, under Section 430 of the Penal Code, was allegedly committed at KM17, Jalan Kalai Gajah Putih in Sik at 3.55pm, Nov 12.

They face imprisonment of up to 30 years, a fine or both if found guilty.

The court allowed them bail of RM50,000 with one local surety each.

The Indonesian men, all unrepresented, were also ordered to surrender their passports and work permits to the court, and to report themselves at the Sik district police station on the 23rd of every month.

Deputy public prosecutor Noor Azrul Abdul Rahman prosecuted.