BANDAR SUNWAY: The enforcement of the Environmental Quality Act is being hampered by jurisdictional and by-laws issues.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said a lack of synergy in enforcement between state and federal agencies, that were involved in ensuring environmental protection and sustainable development practices, had resulted in great environmental damage.
Speaking at the Sustainability Summit Asia here today, Wan Junaidi said in many instances the Environmental Department had been left to act as “advisors and educators” rather than enforcing the law.
“There are disparities between the jurisdiction of the Federal Government and that of state governments, which result in obstacles when we want to enforce the law, especially concerning the approval of projects that threaten the environment and wildlife,” said Wan Junaidi.
As a panel member of a forum at the summit, Wan Junaidi said Malaysia should not be compared with other country with regards to the constitutional division of power and jurisdiction over land.
“Our constitution is different to the ones adopted in countries like Australia or India. It divides certain areas of jurisdiction between the federal and state governments, while in some areas it can be shared,” said Wan Junaidi.
“This has made it a challenge for the ministry to synergise enforcement to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development.”
As such, Wan Junaidi said the government was drawing up new laws and policies, in particular an act that would govern the distribution of water resources.
“This needs to be addressed by a new Water Resources Act. So far, we have addressed water for only residential and commercial use, but there are no laws governing its use for industrial and environmental needs,” said Wan Junaidi.
“We are at the stage where we need to change. Previously, our development had always been focused on an ‘economic approach’, but now we have to ensure the environment’s wellbeing so that any development is sustainable.
“Thus these new laws and policies will ensure there is synergy between the federal and state authorities.”