TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Legislators in Taiwan passed a new amendment to the Meteorological Act (氣象法), Article 21-1, on Tuesday (Dec. 16). The amendment introduced penalties for damaging meteorological facilities due to negligence or illegal methods. Offenders now face up to six months in prison, detention, or fines of up to NT$2 million.
The Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, spearheaded this amendment as part of the "Seven Laws on Submarine Cables" (海纜七法). Lawmakers aimed to address the absence of penalties for damaging meteorological facilities and equipment. Recent domestic and international incidents involving the destruction of submarine infrastructure and communication cables prompted this legislative action.
The amendment includes the confiscation of tools, vessels, or other machinery used in such offenses. The Transportation Committee (交通委員) of the Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's legislature, initially reviewed the amendment on Dec. 1 and passed the third reading on Tuesday. Lawmakers aim to effectively deter and prevent damage to submarine cables and related facilities.
The law stipulates that authorities will confiscate tools, vessels, or equipment used in violations, regardless of ownership. Following a court ruling, officials may auction, sell, or dispose of confiscated items, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
