JEDDAH, 6 March 2003 — Saudi Arabia announced yesterday that it would impose a maximum fine of SR500,000 and a jail sentence of not more than five years on those who dump dangerous or poisonous or radioactive refuse in the country’s regional waters or industrial zones.
Prince Turki ibn Nasser, head of the Presidency for Meteorology and Environment Protection, said the punishment would be doubled on those who repeat the offense. The punishment also includes confiscation of ships and the closure of institutions involved, the pan-Arab Al-Hayat daily quoted him as saying.
Speaking after talks with Water Minister Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, Prince Turki said the Kingdom’s environment law insists that nobody should pollute the ground, the underground or coastal waters by throwing away garbage. It also calls for the protection of natural resources.
According to Ahmed Mandoura, acting director of human environment, the presidency has already presented the new executive laws for the protection of environment to Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, and the chairman of the Ministerial Committee on the Environment for his endorsement.
