SIM BAK HENG New Straits Times 6 Aug 14;
JOHOR BARU: The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Order 1987 will likely be amended in a move to make it mandatory for developers to submit detailed reports for coastal reclamation projects that span 20 hectares or more.
The proposed amendments, which are being forwarded by the Department of Environment (DoE), will ensure stricter regulation for developers who are involved in coastal reclamation works in the country.
At present, developers only need to submit a Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) if the reclamation involves an area of 50 hectares and above. If the amendment to the act is made, projects with span 20 hectares or more would also require for an DEIA.
A DoE source told the New Straits Times that the amendment is good news for environmentalists due to their growing interest and concerns of late, especially on the destruction of flora and fauna brought about by coastal reclamation works.
"We hope to complete the amendment by year-end and enforce it by next year.
"By revising the requirement for coastal reclamation and making it more strict for developers, we hope to monitor all development on reclaimed land closely and ensure developers will abide by all rules and regulations," said the source.
It could not be verified if the proposed amendment is linked with the controversial Forest City project along the Johor Straits near the Second Link, as the first phase of the project involved an area of 49ha, which means no DEIA report was required.
There were speculations the developer might divide the 2,000 hectare reclaimed island project into many phases of not more than 50ha each so as to avoid from requiring a DEIA report.
Reclamation works for the 49-hectare first phase of the project began in early March and was expected to be completed by year’s end.
The project hit a snag after the Singaporean government raised concerns over the two coastal land reclamation projects in Johor, citing that it might cause trans-boundary issues. Other than the Forest City, the other project is the Princess Cove just next to the Causeway.
Singapore sent several diplomatic notes and a formal request to the Federal Government for more information on the state’s coastal projects, specifically in the Straits of Johor.
The DoE source also said the National Physical Planning Council will compliment the role of the DOE in monitoring coastal reclamation and development.
"Coastal reclamation shall not be encouraged, except for the development of ports of strategic national importance. Coastal reclamation shall not be permitted in or adjacent to sensitive ecosystems such as marine parks, mangroves, mudflats, coral reefs, seagrass beds, turtle landing sites and major tourism beaches.
"All proposals involving coastal reclamation shall be referred to the National Physical Planning Council," said the DOE source. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is the council's chairman.
