Lee: Govt’s move to introduce EPA is timely

PETALING JAYA: The Government’s plan to introduce the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) is timely as this will help address pressing environmental issues while dealing with matters of jurisdiction between federal and state authorities.

1Malaysia Foundation trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the proposed EPA would also allow the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to force illegal factories to relocate or be shut down.

He said that activities such as illegal farming, uncontrolled logging and development, and illegal waste dumping into rivers posed major threats to the environment.

At present, he explained, the matter falls under the jurisdiction of local authorities, making it difficult for the ministry to take action.

“Malaysians who are concerned about the environment should support the new legislation, which also empowers the federal department to act against industries found to be polluting river reserves,” said Lee.

He also expressed his hope that environmental education will be made a subject in the school syllabus at both primary and secondary levels to create awareness of the environment’s importance.

“If possible, environmental education should begin in kindergarten and continue until tertiary level to ensure it becomes a culture among the young,” Lee said.