Cabinet yet to discuss amendments to Environment Quality Act 1974

GEORGE TOWN: The Cabinet has yet to discuss proposed amendments to the Environment Quality Act 1974 to give the law more bite to act against polluters.

Natural Resources and Environment Deputy Minister Datuk Hamim Samuri (pix) said the matter has not been raised yet.

He said the issue was still in the preliminary stage and more discussions with stakeholders needs to be held first.

"There are steps to follow before any Acts are amended," he said at a press conference after launching a RM10.8 million beach nourishment and water quality improvement project at Batu Ferringhi here.

The federal initiative comprises establishing river outfalls at Sungai Satu and Sungai Batu Ferringhi as well as cultivating a wetland system.

If successful, the project will also be adapted for use in other states experiencing water pollution.

On the issue of leachate allegedly leaking into the sea from the Pulau Burung landfill, Hamim said the concessionaire has been directed to resubmit its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.

He said the EIA report submitted earlier was not complete and the new report will be reviewed by the ministry and
urged the concessionaire to implement measures to address the issue.

On the proposal to reclaim land off the southern coast of Penang island, Hamim said the federal government was still waiting for the full EIA and Detailed EIA (DEIA) report from the state.

He said the previous reports submitted were not detailed as more information was needed.