EIA Consultant shall be appointed if proposed projects meet the requirement stipulated under the Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Order 2015.
The types of projects that require EIA approval prior to their implementation including but not limited to housing development, industrial development, hill slope development, coastal development, quarry, sand mining, waste management facilities, port and transportation facilities, etc (depending on the development acreage/ quantity).
EIA Report must be prepared by a registered EIA Consultant with Department of Environment (DOE).
Department of Environment (DOE) is responsible in reviewing and approving an EIA report and it may seek input from relevant government agencies, organisations, and experts to review the report.
Land use zoning refers to the regulatory process of dividing land into designated zones for specific types of development or activities. Each zone (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural) has prescribed uses, density limits, and development controls to ensure orderly planning, environmental protection, and compatibility between land uses.
The Majlis Perancang Fizikal Negara (MPFN), or National Physical Planning Council, is the highest planning authority at the federal level. It is chaired by the Prime Minister of Malaysia and plays a key role in:
- Formulating national physical planning policies
- Coordinating planning between federal and state governments
- Advising on major or strategic developments, especially those of national interest
MPFN ensures that physical development across Malaysia is consistent with national goals and sustainable development principles.
The State Planning Council (Majlis Perancang Negeri) is the highest planning authority at the state level in Malaysia. It is typically chaired by the Menteri Besar or Chief Minister and is responsible for:
- Formulating state planning policies
- Approving structure plans and major development proposals
- Coordinating land use planning within the state
- It ensures that development aligns with state-level strategies and policies.
Social Impact Assessment (SIA), as guided by Malaysia’s PPSIA under PLANMalaysia, is a process to identify, evaluate, and manage the social impacts of development on surrounding communities, ensuring sustainable and inclusive outcomes.
SIA in Malaysia is classified into two categories. Category A covers large-scale, nationally significant projects—such as land reclamation, airports, ports, railways, and expressways—which require consultation with the National Physical Planning Council (MPFN) and submission to federal-level authorities. Category B involves projects with significant social impacts at the state level, including industrial developments and waste management facilities, and is assessed by PLANMalaysia Negeri.
Both categories require a comprehensive SIA to support informed planning and decision-making.
