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VI. PROBLEMS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PLANNED ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES
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D. Public awareness and concern
The level of public awareness on environmental issues is sufficiently high. The renewed public interest in environmental issues was kindled by the recent haze over Malaysia. The haze problem reached such alarming levels that a State-wide emergency was declared in the State of Sarawak. Renewed calls were made for the implementation of the postponed air pollution control measures. Open burning offenders and owners of vehicles spewing excessive smoke were fined and, in the latter category, the vehicles were taken off the road until the problem was rectified. However, Sham (1993a) believed that "in view of the nature and extent of environmental degradation that exists today, a high and sophisticated awareness level is required to ensure the future of our environment".
The Environmental Quality Act, 1974, provides for setting up an Environmental Quality Council that would involve the participation of the public and private sectors as well as interested individuals who could contribute to improving the environment throughout the country. While that objective is admirable and fulfils the need for public and NGO participation in environmental issues affecting the country, the Council has no executive authority and only acts in an advisory role to the Minister. In the spirit of the council, some NGOs have been included in other consultative bodies on environmental issues. Contrary to popular belief, those NGOs have played a very positive role in bringing environmental issues into open discussion and they have articulated the national position on environmental issues at international forums.
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