Waters Act, 1920 (No. 418)

This Act makes provision for the protection of rivers and streams falling within the States of Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Selangor, Malacca and Penang. As per section 3, the entire property as well as the control of all rivers in any of the above-mentioned States is and shall be vested solely in the Rulers of such States. Section 4 provides for the protection of banks: any person who shall interfere with the bank of any river shall be required to its restoration. Further provisions set forth prohibitions related to the diversion of waters from rivers and any other acts affecting rivers. Such acts are forbidden, without any prejudice to licences that may be granted by the competent authority for purposes such as cultivation of rice or industrial purposes. Section 7A prohibits the pollution of rivers. Section 15 lays down the penalty to be applied in case of violation of this Act.