A number of proposals were drawn up during high-level meetings between the Resources and Infrastructure Ministry and the Justice and Home Affairs Ministry in recent weeks, sources said.

The proposals are to be discussed with the Prime Minister in the next few days and will then be presented to Cabinet for discussion. Details of the proposals were unavailable, but it is known that they include a substantial hike in the fines and penalties already provided by the law.

Local wardens will be given jurisdiction over a number of environmental issues, including illegal dumping. The changes are intended to address the lack of proper enforcement facilities, previously considered a major obstacle.

One particular by-law stipulates that if a person is caught dumping waste or other items illegally, the vehicle used for the dumping can be confiscated, in addition to the legal proceedings that follow the prosecution. However, this law has never been enforced to date.