15.3 – Supporting land ecosystems through action

15.3.3 – Local biodiversity included in planning and development

UKM Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guideline, aligned with Malaysia’s Environmental Quality Act 1974, ensures that every campus project meets rigorous environmental standards, prioritizing sustainable development and proactive environmental management. By embedding environmental mainstreaming in all decision-making processes, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) fosters a culture of responsibility, accountability, and transparency, integrating stakeholder engagement at each project phase. This approach not only safeguards local ecosystems but also sets a benchmark in sustainability, reinforcing UKM commitment to environmental excellence and inspiring a new standard for higher education institutions.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guideline in Malaysia, developed under Section 34A (2C) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127), provides comprehensive guidance for project proponents, DOE-registered EIA consultants, and other practitioners in preparing and submitting EIA reports for approval. Its purpose is to ensure that EIA procedures are followed correctly, enhancing the quality and timely submission of reports to the Department of Environment (DOE). The guideline outlines requirements for each stage of the EIA process—pre-submission, submission, and post-submission—to avoid delays and additional costs. It also introduces environmental mainstreaming, requiring project proponents to integrate environmental considerations throughout all business processes and project phases, promoting self-regulation, environmental responsibility, and accountability. The guideline serves as a primary reference for project proponents, consultants, approval authorities, and stakeholders involved in environmental compliance.

EIA Guideline at UKM

EIA Guideline at UKM provides a framework for assessing and managing the environmental impact of campus development and operational projects. This guideline aligns with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127) and the national EIA procedures, ensuring that UKM projects meet legal and environmental standards.

Key Aspects of the EIA Guideline at UKM:

1. Compliance with National Standards: UKM’s EIA Guideline adheres to Malaysia’s Environmental Quality Act, emphasizing responsible development that prevents environmental harm. By following national EIA requirements, UKM ensures that all campus projects respect environmental regulations and contribute to sustainable practices.
2. Structured EIA Procedures: The guideline details procedures for preparing, submitting, and reviewing EIA reports for UKM projects. It involves a multi-stage process that includes initial assessments, detailed EIA reports for significant projects, and continuous monitoring to ensure compliance. This process helps UKM identify potential environmental impacts early in the planning phase and develop mitigation measures.
3. Environmental Mainstreaming: UKM incorporates environmental considerations at every stage of decision-making and project implementation. This mainstreaming approach ensures that environmental impacts are a priority, promoting a culture of environmental responsibility and accountability within the university.
4. Project-Specific Guidelines: The EIA Guideline at UKM provides tailored requirements based on project type and scale, ensuring that different environmental risks are addressed appropriately. This approach covers campus infrastructure projects, facility upgrades, and research activities that may impact local ecosystems.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Transparency: The guideline encourages collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including governmental bodies, environmental consultants, and the campus community, to ensure transparency and thorough environmental assessment.

Compliance with Local Authority Guidelines:

1. Adherence to Planning Regulations: UKM ensures that all campus development projects not only comply with planning regulations and guidelines established by local authorities but also integrate local biodiversity considerations in their planning and development. This approach includes obtaining necessary approvals and permits for construction and development activities, ensuring alignment with the strategic plans of the local government while fostering the conservation and enhancement of local biodiversity.
2. Environmental Sustainability: In partnership with local authorities, UKM integrates environmental sustainability into its development projects. This includes implementing green building practices, preserving natural habitats, and promoting sustainable land use, in line with local environmental policies.

In Malaysia, Section 70(1) of the Street, Drainage, and Building Act 1974 (Act 133) mandates that no construction may proceed without prior written approval from the Local Authority (PBT). Any unauthorized construction, modifications, or extensions that lack PBT approval or do not align with the approved plans are considered violations under Section 70 (Act 133). Consequently, any new building construction at UKM must secure approval from the Kajang Municipal Council.

At UKM, the development process requires obtaining Planning Permission, which is a formal written consent from the Local Planning Authority (PBT) that is necessary after land use change approval but prior to initiating the building plan process. In accordance with Act 172, Planning Permission is defined as follows:

1. Subsection 2(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) describes planning permission as permission granted—with or without conditions—to carry out development.
2. Subsection 19(1) states that no individual or organization, other than the local authority (PBT), may commence or execute any development without obtaining planning permission as per Section 22 or an extension under Subsection 24(3).
3. In general, the planning permission process requires applicants to submit proposals to the PBT for review and approval prior to initiating development on land or buildings. This procedure is outlined in Section 21A [Development Proposal Report (LCP)] and Section 21B [Layout Plan].

Additionally, UKM integrates local biodiversity considerations into its planning and development strategies. All campus projects not only meet regulatory standards but also prioritize the conservation and enhancement of local biodiversity. This approach ensures that UKM’s developments contribute positively to the ecological balance of the region while strictly adhering to PBT guidelines. Failure to obtain planning permission or violating approved plans may result in penalties under Sections 27 and 28 of Act 172, with possible fines up to five hundred thousand ringgit, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, as stipulated in Subsection 26(1).

Source: https://www.ppj.gov.my/storage/7476/133—STREET%2C-DRAINAGE-AND-BUILDING-ACT-1974.pdf