Malaysia: Environment ministry set to propose new procedure in EIA, DEIA for all projects in the country

BALVIN KAUR New Straits Times 28 Dec 16;

GEORGE TOWN: The Environment and Natural Resources Ministry will propose a new ruling of a compulsory procedure for a new Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Detailed Environmental Impact Assesment (DEIA) system for all development projects in the country.

Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the new EIA and DEIA proposal would be submitted to the Cabinet, National Land Council and National Physical Planning Council before it was implemented.

"If the proposal is approved, it will be the new EIA and DEIA system practised in the entire country and not just in Penang," he said in a statement issued today. Wan Junaidi was referring to the land reclamation projects in Penang.

It was reported that the DAP-led state government had proposed some 1,500ha of land reclamation off the southwestern coast of the island to fund its ambitious mega-transportation project.

The RM46 billion Penang Transport Masterplan (PTMP) project, will include Light Rail Transit, Monorail, and expressway.

He said there had been many reports on the land reclamation of late, as such he had ordered for a detailed EIA and DEIA for land reclamation in Penang.

"The current EIA and DEIA only focuses on projects approved by the state government or federal government in protecting the environment.

It is not inclusive as many elements are sidelines, which eventually affects the environment." he said.