Devolution of environmental regulation: environmental impact assessment in Malaysia

Abstract

Based on an empirical case study surrounding the fragmentation of a hitherto apparently cohesive national environmental impact assessment (EIA) system in Malaysia, this paper argues that effectiveness of planning tools such as EIA cannot be isolated from wider issues of governance. Integration of environmental and developmental objectives in decision-making by using tools such as EIA poses important political implications. This is because state institutions do not function independently from the rest of society and influential interest groups within it. A political will and willingness openly to debate development proposals by a vibrant civil society able to access information are prerequisites for tools such as EIA to be effective.