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IV. MEASURES FOR INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS INTO AGRICULTURE
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Institutional arrangements and mechanisms for environmental management are based mainly on provisions in the federal Constitution. The framework is based on legislation which permits the establishment of institutions for implementing the provisions of that legislation. The institutions can either be in the form of established government agencies or bodies, or committees formed either through legislation or on an ad hoc basis.
In Malaysia, since independence in 1957, federal laws have been called "Acts", while State laws have been called "Enactments", except in the case of the State of Sarawak where they are known as "Ordinances". Environmental quality management in Malaysia is the joint responsibility of federal, State and local governments. Agriculture is a State responsibility, but the National Land Council exercises powers of coordination and its decisions are binding on the State governments. Professional technical advice tendered by any of the federal agencies must be acted on by the State government concerned. Conflicts of interest among those two levels of governments and among relevant ministries or agencies can be resolved. In addition, some possible difficulties of coordination among federal and State governments will still exist.
Land is a subject which remains under the jurisdiction of the States. The federal government has, however, certain powers over legislation and development. For that purpose the Constitution provides for the establishment of the National Land Council. The Council is a constitutional body comprising a Minister appointed by the federal government, who then appoints further members, and State representatives. The Council is required to advise on all matters related to natural resources: land, mining, forestry, agriculture and kindred subjects. Any policy formulated by the Council is binding on both federal and State governments. The Council is further required to advise on any matter brought to it by the federal or State authorities.
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