Department of Environment Malaysia
MALAYSIA’s Department of Environment has a less than impressive website on which there is a mishmash jumble of information marked by a lack of clarity and a good deal of rhetoric.
Like many other websites the DoE states its vision; only the Malaysian DoE declares its vision twice, on separate pages, with nothing really connecting one to the other. You could say they have “double-vision” and that would sum up the activities of the DoE pretty well.
There is a link inviting contact from outside but it is in fact a cul de sac - it leads to a blank page, indicating that that contact with the public is a low priority.
The department is responsible to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Background
According to the website, environmental management in Malaysia became more focused with the gazzettement of the Environmental Quality Act (EQA) on 14 March 1974. From thereon, an enforcement agency named Environment Division (known as Department of Environment (DOE) in 1983) was institutionalised in 1975.
Presently, the Department is empowered with 1568 staffs (on full operation), extending its operation through 15 States Offices and 26 Branch Offices. The Department’s main role is to prevent, control and abate pollution through the enforcement of the EQA,1974 and its 34 subsidiary legislation made thereunder.
Vision
Uniqueness, diversity and quality of the environment are conserved towards maintaining health, prosperity, security and well-being for the present and the future.
Mission
To Promote, Ensure and Sustain Sound Environmental Management in the Process of Nation Building.
Vision
“We are aware, sensitive and will continuously review all legal provisions, regulations, order, standards, procedures and our work culture so as not to jeopardise or bring about adverse effects on sustainable development; we shall always endeavour to bring into effect all possible improvements to achieve the objectives of VISION 2020″
Project Planning Approval
- Decision on application for written approval to construct Prescribed Premises (Scheduled Wastes) be issued within 2 months.
- Decision on application for installation of fuel burning equipment (FBE) be issued within 3 weeks.
- Decision on a complete preliminary EIA report be made within 5 weeks.
- Decision on a complete detailed EIA report be made within 12 weeks.
- Decision on application for siting of new industries be made within 3 weeks.
- Decision on application for written approval to construct new sources of effluent and for written approval to install air and water pollution control equipment be issued within 3 weeks.
Issuing of Licences / Enforcement
- All enforcement activities under the Environment Quality Act, 1974 to be continuously expanded and strengthened to ensure full compliance, and the laws are enforced on a strict, fair and just basis.
- Compounds be issued “on the spot” or within 1 week.
- All court cases to be submitted to the Deputy Public Prosecutor within 6 months from the date of investigation or the date of an offence committed.
Solving of Public Complaints
All complaint cases related to environmental pollution be attended to immediately and solved within 2 weeks to 2 months.
Public Relations
- An annual report on Environmental Quality be published before 30 September.
- All published pieces of information be delivered immediately upon request and non-classified computerised data be delivered within 1 week.
- All visitors be attended to promptly or within 5 minutes with utmost respect, full courtesy and with a caring smile. All appointments shall be kept on time.
- Appointments that have to be rescheduled shall be informed and visitors shall be given DOE publications materials to read while waiting.
Revenue Collections
All payments be attended to immediately and receipt of payment issued at the same time.
Relations with Top Administration
- All information and reports as requested by the Honourable Minister of Natural Resources and Environment be submitted “on-the-double” with confidence, concise and convincing.
- Answers to Parliamentary questions and reports to Cabinet Ministers be submitted within 1 day to 3 days.
- All information and reports as requested by the Secretary General, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment be submitted in detail, concise and convincing within 1 day.