 |
|
VI. PROBLEMS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PLANNED ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES
[ VI-A | VI-B | VI-C | VI-D | VI-E | VI-F | VI-G | VI-H | VI-I | VI-J ]
C. Comprehensive environmental planning
Environmental issues are not considered at every level of planning decision. That is particularly prevalent at the State level where the Department of Environment is often not consulted on important matters pertaining to the conversion of land. Even if the Department of Environment is consulted, the State is not obliged to abide by the views or comments of the Department. Short-term economic and financial considerations override environmental concerns, and the final decision whether or not to approve a certain project in a particular location lies entirely with the State authorities. That situation is succinctly described by Chia and MacAndrews (1974), who noted that "large scale development projects are often motivated by political considerations as much as for economic reasons. Unfortunately, at the decision-making level, environmental issues feature lowly at the deliberations." As discussed elsewhere in this report, the national agenda for environment is quite explicit at the federal level, and there is a clear and distinct emphasis on environmental concerns at the federal level of planning. At the implementation stage, the eagerness and concern for environmental issues gets subsumed by short-term matters like physical completion and budgetary compliance. That dilemma becomes more pronounced as implementation gets further away from the federal level.
The Seventh Malaysia Plan envisages a review of existing legislation aimed at improving the legal and regulatory framework. Some new areas being considered include sewerage services, natural resources, the management of hazardous chemicals, use of chlorofluorocarbons as well as occupational safety and health. New guidelines incorporating environmental considerations have been prepared by the Department of Environment for investors and developers. While the introduction of those guidelines is a commendable effort by the Department of Environment, their non-binding nature is a cause for concern. A more binding set of standards and sufficient measures to ensure deterrence should be incorporated for dealing with non-compliance.
|
|
|
