ENVIRONMENT POLICY AND PROGRAMMES
In Malaysia, in the years following Independence, environmental issues took a back seat to development priorities. In many development programmes, little or no consideration was given to the ways in which they might be detrimental to the environment. Although some 20 pieces of environment-related legislation had been passed by the end of the 1960s, these were not specifically designed to address environmental problems but rather concentrated on promoting sound housekeeping practices in specific sectors in line with government policies at the time. By the 1970s, it had become obvious that such legislation was inadequate to cope with the side effects, notably the pollution, from modern developments and industries.
At that time, the impact of development on the environment was becoming increasingly visible, with evidence of deterioration observable throughout Malaysia. Many concerned individuals, from both within the government circle and the general public, realized that environmental problems, then considered peripheral, were real and required redress. Environmental and consumer groups began to openly express their concern about uncontrolled pollution, and environmental issues were publicized in the media to increase awareness.
In 1974, the Environmental Quality Act (EQA) was passed, and a year later a Department of Environment (DOE) was created to administer the Act. In its first 13 years, the DOE concentrated almost exclusively on pollution control with some limited efforts on preventive measures. Following the introduction of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures, the preventive approach became more prominent. Not all aspects of the environment are adequately covered by the EQA (1974). Issues such as forestry, water resources, mining, wildlife and fisheries are beyond its jurisdiction and that of the DOE. Currently there are more than 40 environment-related pieces of legislation on Malaysia's statutes, each being administered somewhat independently by various government agencies at the state and federal levels. In the case of environmental conservation, although the Federal Government enacted the EQA, management of basic resources (land and water) remain within the power of the states.
However, legislation alone is not enough: the will on the part of all citizens to protect the environment for a cleaner, greener Malaysia for the future is being fostered through education and awareness-raising campaigns.
