PUTRAJAYA: The Environmental Quality Monitoring Programme (EQMP) aimed at improving the existing environmental quality monitoring system will be implemented early next year.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said EQMP, which would be implemented through a concession agreement with Scieno TW Sdn Bhd encompasses data collection for the purpose of air, river and marine monitoring as well as setting up an Environmental Data Centre (EDC).
“EDC is located at the Department of Environment headquarters and will serve as a platform to analyse air, river and marine data obtained from environmental quality stations nationwide before being channeled to end users on a real time basis,” he told a press conference here today.
Wan Junaidi said EQMP would be implemented by Scieno TW for a period of 14 and a half years involving a cost of RM855 million.
He said the concession agreement was also signed as part of measures to improve the existing programme with regard to the country’s development and current needs.
“The data transmission period of the programme will only take 10 minutes compared to 45 minutes previously,” he said.
He said besides providing information on the current status of the country’s air, river and marine quality, the programme could also be used as an early-warning system.
“EQMP will also help in developing policies and assist in making decisions for the welfare of the people and the country through the provision of enforcement activities, inputs and planning of development projects,” he said. --BERNAMA