The 1987 Environmental Quality Order

Last updated: 10 December 2023

The Environmental Quality Order of Malaysia was promulgated in 1987 to implement the provisions of section 34 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. The Order provides that anyone who intends to undertake a construction project falling within the category of prescribed activity with environmental impacts must be subject to an environmental impact assessment (EIA). The Order specifies 19 activities requiring EIA reports before implementation, including activities in the sectors of mining and quarrying.  This requirement applies to new projects and to the expansion of existing ones. 

 

Under the Order, the following must be included in the report to be submitted to the Department of Environment (DOE): assessment of the possible environmental effects and measures for mitigation after implementation and completion of construction projects. The construction project shall not commence before the reports are approved by special technical panels comprising individuals from government agencies, universities, the private sector and non-governmental organisations.

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