TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Civil servants leaking the identity of whistleblowers could face from six months to five years in prison, according to a proposal approved by the Legislative Yuan on Friday.

The Whistleblower Protection Act also includes a fine of up to NT$300,000 (US$9,100) for those who reveal the identity of whistleblowers working at government departments, state-run enterprises, and other government-controlled institutions, Radio Taiwan International reported.

Lawmakers from both the ruling and the opposition supported the new legislation. Too often, government employees would fear retaliation and step back from pointing out corruption, lawmakers said.

The KMT emphasized the protection of staff at government departments and state enterprises, while the TPP said whistleblowers in the public and private sectors deserved equal protection. The DPP said the law should protect whistleblowers without encouraging slander campaigns.

The final version of the law emphasized government bodies, while also stipulating that whistleblowers should not be targeted with dismissal, salary cuts, or unfavorable changes of work content or location.