Minister: EIA law amendment will see harsher penalties

The government is amending legislation surrounding Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) implementation.

Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the proposed amendment will see harsher penalties for offences.

“The existing penalty for offences involving EIA activities under Section 34A(8) (of the Environmental Quality Act 1974) is a fine of RM500,000, or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both, and an additional fine of RM1,000.

“In the new amendment, the penalty that will be imposed...