The National Environmental Policy is a national policy with a multi-sectoral approach. The goal of the Policy is to achieve economic, social and cultural development and enhance the life quality of its people through environmentally sound and sustainable development. This Policy formulates green strategies to ensure safe, clean, healthy and productive environment for present and future generations. The country’s unique and diverse cultural and natural heritage will be protected with effective participation of all federal and state agencies, industrial sector, local community and other stakeholders. Sustainable management and use of natural resources will be ensured to prevent environmental degradation and to sustain productive capacity of land, forest, biodiversity and water resources. Natural resources areas containing biologically rich habitats and ecosystems will be established as protected areas for the conservation of indigenous flora and fauna and genetic resources. Land use planning will be carried out with special emphasis on soil conservation particularly in environmentally sensitive areas. Sustainable management of forests and forest resources will be ensured with social and environmental stability and ecological balance. A systematic and comprehensive inventory of water resources will be developed. Protection measures will be taken against pollution in seas, coastal zones, lakes, rivers, mangroves and wetlands. Natural ecosystems will be conserved to ensure integrity of biodiversity and life support systems as well as to conserve endangered species. Malaysia will cooperate with adjacent countries regarding transboundary environmental issues. Active participation of public and private sectors, resource users, non-governmental organizations and public will be enhanced in decision-making processes related to environmental protection and sustainability. Economic growth will be achieved in an environmentally sustainable manner. Environmental quality monitoring, audit and surveillance will be strengthened to minimize the harm on environment. Environmental planning and policies will be integrated into all sectors taking into account social, ecological and health effects. The role of private sector will be strengthened in environmental protection and management. Environmental education and awareness will be enhanced through information dissemination and training. Energy conservation and efficiency will be promoted by efficiency standards, technology transfer and consumer awareness. Preventive and precautionary measures will be taken for pollution prevention and control in industrial sector. Furthermore financial support will be provided for environmental protection. Integrated pest management, organic farming, environmentally friendly agriculture and aquaculture practices will be promoted in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Environmentally sound management systems will be developed for hazardous chemicals, toxic wastes, effluent wastewater and solid wastes. This Policy addresses global environmental issues such as climate change, ozone depletion, management of hazardous chemicals and toxic wastes. The implementation of this Policy and its strategies will be monitored by the National Development Council. Federal and state economic planning units will play a central role in policy planning and implementation at federal, state and local levels.
National Environmental Policy 2002.