Malaysia’s Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2024 has been published on 06 June 2024. It introduces several significant updates aimed at strengthening environmental protection and regulatory frameworks. Key changes include:
Increased Penalties: This amendment significantly raises the fines for environmental violations. By imposing stiffer penalties on individuals and corporations, the government is reinforcing its commitment to deterring environmental damage.
Enhanced Waste Management: The Act introduces stricter regulations on managing waste, particularly targeting industrial waste. Companies are now required to adopt more comprehensive waste management systems to prevent pollution.
Greater Enforcement Powers: The Department of Environment (DOE) now has enhanced authority to take immediate action against violators, ensuring more effective enforcement of environmental laws.
Stricter EIA Requirements: The requirements for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) have been tightened. Projects that may impact the environment must now undergo more thorough evaluation and mitigation processes.
Climate Change Mitigation: New provisions address climate change by encouraging sustainable practices and reducing carbon footprints across various sectors.
Public Participation and Transparency: The amendment emphasizes the importance of public involvement in environmental decision-making. It promotes transparency by making more environmental data available to the public and involving communities in governance.
International Standards Alignment: The amendment ensures that Malaysia’s environmental laws are aligned with international standards and best practices, which is crucial for global environmental cooperation and compliance with international agreements.
Open Burning Definition: The amendment includes an updated definition of open burning. This now comprehensively covers the burning of any material in the open air, which could contribute to air pollution. The new definition aims to clarify regulations and improve enforcement against practices that harm air quality.
These updates reflect Malaysia’s dedication to strengthening environmental protection and promoting sustainable development. As part of their efforts to improve environmental performance and ensure regulatory compliance, companies can benefit significantly from obtaining ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems (EMS) certification. ISO 14001 provides a structured framework that helps organizations manage their environmental responsibilities systematically, leading to enhanced environmental performance. This certification can help companies comply with environmental regulations, reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and mitigate environmental impacts, which aligns well with the goals of the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2024.
