The MNS is extremely disappointed with the 1998 budget and is concerned that the state of the environment will show further deterioration. This is a great pity, as Malaysia has relatively adequate regulations and legislation relating to the environment. More funding for manpower purposes should have been provided, to monitor the environmental consequences of increasing development, especially relating to mega-projects like the Highland Resort Road and the Kedah land reclamation project. In calling for greater transparency, we are simply asking that the EIA reports be given adequate time for public review and comments.

The rate of development in the last few years has been good for Malaysia, but in this strife for national development, we should balance development with conservation and take adequate measures to prevent the drop in environment quality which we have seen in several parts of the country.

The MNS gives full support to the DOE in its effort to regulate and control development in the country. However, with the cut in the budget, the DOE will need every support from the public and with the threat to the quality of our life, we should therefore increase the penalties to environmental offenders.

The transboundary and local haze problems should not arise, as there are already existing intraregional contingency plans and the Clean Air Action Plan. What is lacking is the will to implement them.

Dato' Dr Salleh Mohd Nor
President