AIR QUALITY AND POLLUTION (TKA 3301) LECTURE NOTES 5-EQA 1974

In response, and with desire to In response, and with desire to preserve and protect Malaysia’s preserve and protect Malaysia’s abundant natural resources:abundant natural resources:

Environmental Quality Act (EQA) Environmental Quality Act (EQA) was enacted in 1974.was enacted in 1974.

EQA 1974EQA 1974

Interpretation. "beneficial use" "control equipment " "element" "environment" "environmental audit" "environmental management system" "environmental risk" "environmentally hazardous

substances“ "mixture containing oil"

Interpretation.

"monitoring programme" "occupier" "owner" "pollutants" "pollution" "premises" "segment" "transit" "waste"

An enforcement agency named Environment Division (known as Department of Environment (DOE) in 1983) was institutionalized in 1975.

The Department's main role (function) is to prevent, control and abate pollution through the enforcement of:

Environmental Quality Act, 1974 (Amendments 1985, 1996, 2000), and its 34 subsidiary legislation made there under.

Section IV of the Exclusive Economic Zone Act, 1984

Nautical mile

Uniqueness, diversity and quality of the environment are conserved towards maintaining health, prosperity, security and well-being for the present and the future.

To Promote, Ensure and Sustain Sound Environmental Management in the Process of Nation Building

Review EIA reports required from specific development projects. Evaluate site suitability for projects not required to submit EIA. Provide input to Federal & States agencies to ensure sustainable

development concept being implemented on projects. Carry out enforcement to ensure EQA regulations compliance. Develop national monitoring network for water, air and noise. Review, revise and introduce regulations as needed. Prepare environmental guidelines to promote use of integrated

environmental solutions by project managers. Increase public awareness through dissemination of information.

EQA 1974 was enacted to prevent, abate, control pollution and enhance the quality of environment.

The DOE administer and enforce the EQA 1974, and Section IV of the Economic Exclusive Zone Act 1984.

Inspection and enforcement visits are being carried out to industrial premises to ensure that industrial sectors comply with the Environmental Quality Act 1974:

Road side inspections on motor vehicles are conducted; Aerial and ground surveillance on pollution sources are being carried out; Awareness programs are conducted to educate public on the need to

protect the environment; Initiate and promote research collaborations on relevant environmental

area; Participate in international negotiations on relevant environmental issues

It is based on eight (8) inter-related and mutually supporting principles set to harmonize economic development goals with environmental imperatives:

1. Stewardship of the Environment 2. Conservation of Nature's Vitality and Diversity 3. Continuous Improvement in the Quality of the

Environment 4. Sustainable Use of Natural Resources 5. Integrated Decision-Making 6. Role of the Private Sector 7. Commitment and Accountability 8. Active Participation in the International Community