Suleiman Al-Fahd

KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry yesterday warned that violators of environmental laws will face tough action, including deportation for expat offenders. Interior Ministry Undersecretary Maj Gen Suleiman Fahd Al-Fahd said environment police are determined to implement ministerial decision no. 1129 due to its integral role in implementing the environment protection law in cooperation and coordination with concerned authorities. He said Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah is interested in activating all laws related to the natural environment and prevent encroachment.

Fahd said strict measures will be taken against anyone who does not comply with the environment protection law, adding that an expat who does not comply with the environment law will face all procedures mentioned in the law and immediate deportation from the country, while a Kuwaiti offender will be taken to court. Fahd warned against damaging seasonal plants and flowers at public parks by plucking or uprooting them.

Fahd said no smoking will be allowed in places other than designated areas due to the environmental and health problems it causes for all. In a later statement, the interior ministry's PR and security media department clarified that expats would not be deported for violating smoking bans and they would only be fined in accordance to the law.

Fahd said environmental police will not hesitate in publishing names and photos of violators with evidence, to be example to others, and educate citizens and expats on all measures taken against them for violating the environment protection law. Fahd said the implementation of the law comes from the interior ministry's keenness on preserving the environment in cooperation and coordination with all concerned authorities. He added that the environment police will continue its campaigns with other bodies concerned with environment protection, and deal with all calls seriously and decisively.

By Hanan Al-Saadoun