Public Consultation and Participation in EIA

Article 5:


http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/10/13/central/2258356&sec=central

In Malaysia, as in the maybe the case of other countries, it is still a challenge to ensure adequate and useful participation in the EIA process. This is probably because public participation is accorded the lowest priority in the EIA process, in certain developing countries, including Malaysia.

The aim of public participation in to get public opinion on a wide range of issues arising from a proposed project and also to educate the public. But, the most important is to avoid or reduce the conflict between economic and social developments. In the Malaysia context, the EIA guidelines defines public participation as an approach of:

• identifying the material or psychological impact of a proposal
• measuring and promoting the social acceptance of a project
• monitoring community needs and ensuring that development continues to meet those needs
• monitoring changing environmental values in the community

In Malaysia, the public is encouraged to participate as early as in the preliminary assessment and in detailed assessment. The public is notified through the mass media and the homepage of the DOE as to when and where the detailed EIA reports will be available for review and comment. Public opinion help define the kind of development that is compatible with a particular society and the environment. But, the effectiveness of this practices can be questionable.

Therefore, by identifying potential alternatives and adverse impacts, nations can better achieve goals for sustainable development, avoid or mitigate adverse environmental, social and cultural impacts, reduce costs, better plan for needed infrastructure and avoid loss of irretrievable resources. Obviously, the move should be toward greater sharing of responsibilities in planning and decision making and ultimately major power should be vested in the public to make decisions about their environment.