AN ANALYSIS ON THE APPLICATION OF EIA PROCESS IN MALAYSIA

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been introduced in Malaysia as an interactive planning tool since 1976 through the Environment Quality Act (EQA) 1975. The implementation of the EIA process in Malaysia has played a significant role in cultivating environmental protection and sustainable development practice in Malaysia. This paper focuses on the EIA process that is being implemented in Malaysia in ensuring effective application of EIA. The purpose of this paper is to present the research findings that have contributed in the analysis of the existing EIA process that is currently implemented in Malaysia. An application of qualitative research was incorporated which utilises in-depth semi-structured interviews in the data collection process.  The research findings on the EIA guidelines, policies and the current EIA process are presented to provide a thorough understanding of this study.