PUTRAJAYA: The Environment Department has refuted claims from some parties that it is taking too long to process Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and obstructing development.
Department's director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said the department was committed to its client charter, which stipulated a processing time of 60 working days for projects classified under the Second Schedule, and 25 working days for those under the First Schedule.
"This timeline is notably shorter than other countries, such as the United States, where the process can take up to 120 working days," he said during a media briefing on the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2024 and the EIA today (Oct 2).
Wan Abdul Latiff said the time-consuming aspect could primarily be attributed to consultants conducting the EIA studies, which typically took between six months and a year to complete.
"Once an EIA report has been submitted to the department, we initiate the client charter timeline and we generally adhere to these timeframes.
"The thorough review process is essential to ensure that all scientific and technical details are adequately examined by the department and related agencies.
"Furthermore, we must comply with ISO standards for EIA processing, or risk having our ISO certification revoked," he said.
He added that allegations of delays had not only misrepresented the department's work, but also tarnished its reputation.
"These claims have even been raised to the prime minister regarding delays in EIA approvals from the department.
"Also, when we did not approve a project, they claim that we are obstructing development."
He added that it was crucial to accurately study the predicted impacts of projects before approval was given.
"We are committed to high standards in environmental management."
On the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2024, which came into effect on July 7, Wan Abdul Latiff was hopeful it would deter ongoing environmental pollution and criminal activities through higher penalties and fines.
"While it is too soon to tell if we have seen a decrease in cases, we hope it (stricter measures, higher penalties and fines) should serve as a lesson for any irresponsible act.
"Hopefully, by year-end, we will be able to tell on the updates whether there is a decrease of environmental pollution cases," he said.
The amendment saw the enhancement of penalties for several offences, such as a minimum fine range of not less than RM5,000, a maximum fine not exceeding RM10 million and mandatory imprisonment not exceeding five years.
"While it is too soon to tell if we have seen a decrease in cases, we hope it (stricter measures, higher penalties and fines) should serve as a lesson for any irresponsible act.
"Hopefully, by year-end, we will be able to tell on the updates whether there is a decrease of environmental pollution cases," he said.
The amendment saw the enhancement of penalties for several offences, such as a minimum fine range of not less than RM5,000, a maximum fine not exceeding RM10 million and mandatory imprisonment not exceeding five years.