CER-MAL: Comparative Analysis of Malaysia Legal Framework and ADB Safeguard Policy Statement
31 December 2015
Environmental Quality Act of 1974 and subsequent amendments
Section 34A (1) states that "The Minister, after consultation with the Council,
may by order prescribe any activity which may have significant environmental
impact as prescribed activity." EQ Act, sec. 34A(1); see also Environmental
Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Order,
1987. These prescribed activities are subject to EIA and include the following
broad categorizations:
Project activities specified are defined by quantum
Project activities defined by size
Project activities that are not defined by an unit of measure.
Not all of these activities are applicable to Sabah and Sarawak
The passing of the Conservation of Environment Enactment 1996 was an
important step taken by the State Government of Sabah to provide a legal
framework for the protection and enhancement of the environment. In 1999, the
Conservation of Environment (Prescribed Activities) Order 1999, was gazetted,
making an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) a mandatory State
requirement for Prescribed Activities.
The Natural Resources and Environment (Prescribed Activities) 1997
establishes under Section 11A (1) under the Natural Resources and Environment
Ordnance of Sarawak lists a range of activities, both in size and quantum that
requires the conduct of an EIA.
Geographical Focus:
Malaysia
Type of Content:
Learning Event