Carmakers that fail to fix emissions-related violations will be slapped with fines, the government said Monday, as South Korea moves to tackle concerns raised by Volkswagen's cheating scandal.

The environment ministry said companies that do not recall their cars will be fined for each violation in accordance with changes to the country's air environment protection law.

It said offenders could be slapped with upwards to 3 million won (US$2,500) in fines.

The ministry said carmakers that fail to update authorities on how the recalls are taking place and what parts need to be fixed could also expect to be fined 1 to 2 million won.

The latest revision comes as Seoul updated rules on fining carmakers for emissions-related problems. The law that was announced on Dec. 1 will go into effect on June 2, with the latest details related to fines being part of the larger package to deal with emissions violations.

South Korea has taken flak for not having proper rules in place to deal with emissions cheating, like the United States.      

Local authorities, meanwhile, have said they are looking at ways forwarded by Volkswagen to correct cheating software, although the process may take time.

Similar measures suggested by the German carmaker in the United States have been rejected, that is expected to put pressure on local regulators to carefully check the solutions being offered and to make certain they can comply with air protection standards.(Yonhap)