DOE to take stern action on those clearing land without approved EIA report
The Department of Environment (DOE) has warned errant developers that they will face stern action if they begin clearing work on slopes for development without an approved environmental impact assessment (EIA) report.
Its director-general Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said any party that does so can be fined up to RM500,000 or imprisoned for a maximum of five years or both under Section 34A, Environmental Quality Act 1974.
"Yesterday, Chief Secretary of the Environment and Water Ministry Zaini Ujang and Selangor DOE director Nor Aziah Jaafar joined me in inspecting sites where land clearing works and tree felling on slopes were reported in Bukit Tabur, Hulu Kelang district, Selangor.
"The works have been stopped following instructions issued by the Ampang Jaya Municipality Council (MPAJ) on Sept 11 after site inspections and drone observations found there were no control measures to contain erosion and sediment in slope areas that have been terraced by the developer," Wan Latiff said in a statement today.
The DOE reminded all parties that any development or cleanup of soil in land areas with a slope of 25 degrees but less than 35 degrees are subject to the Environmental Quality Order (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) 2015.
"For areas with a slope of 35 degrees and above, no development except that authorised by the relevant authorities can be carried out.
"Any party who intends to carry out the prescribed activities for a slope between 25 and 35 degrees shall conduct an EIA study and obtain the approval of the EIA report before carrying out any activities.
"This applies to the development or clearing of land covering in which 50 percent or more of the slope areas have a slope greater than or equal to 25 degrees but less than 35 degrees and the construction of roads, tunnels or bridges crossing slopes which has a gradient greater than or equal to 35 degrees," he added.
Wan Latiff called on the public to report any activity that results in the pollution of the environment at the toll-free number 1-800-88-2727 or email aduan_k@doe.gov.my or through the DOE e-complaint portal.
