Environmental NGO backs Malaysia’s move to stop new pollution exemption applications

The Malaysian Ecological Association has fully backed the government’s decision to halt new applications for pollution licences under the 2014 Clean Air Regulations from January 1, 2027.

PEM president Professor Ahmad Ismail said the decision aligned with the government’s continuing commitment to protect air quality and public health. He said environmental laws must be strengthened with human welfare, biodiversity and ecological balance in mind.

“Laws must be strengthened by taking into account human welfare and the environment, especially biodiversity,” Ahmad said. He warned that poor decisions could bring disasters that affect the economy.

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Laws must be strengthened by taking into account human welfare and the environment, especially biodiversity.

Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup previously said new applications would no longer be considered, with immediate effect, to ensure full enforcement of the regulations from January 1, 2027. The rules, introduced on June 5, 2014, replaced the 1978 regulations and require covered industries to control pollutant emissions within prescribed limits and technical standards.

The government initially provided a five-year transition period, followed by several conditional extensions after industries in multiple sectors failed to comply. Ahmad said existing laws now needed stronger implementation, monitoring and enforcement. He also called for continued education on air and water pollution in schools and communities, saying NGOs could help monitor compliance and support public education.

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PEM has always supported strengthening laws for human health and the balance of ecological systems.