Bar calls for inquiry into enforcement of environ laws

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Bar president Christopher Leong has called for a National Environmental Inquiry to look into enforcement weaknesses on environmental laws that have contributed to disasters, including the massive floods in the east coast.

He said there was a need for statistical analysis on the nature and degree of enforcement weaknesses.

“The inquiry is also to set the basis for a future blueprint to uphold environmental rule of law,” he said in his speech at the opening of Legal Year 2015 yesterday.

Leong said although the floods were largely due to natural forces, the lack of care for the environment and enforcement of environmental laws also contributed to the extent of the calamity.

He said according to media reports, Malaysia was among the top three countries in the world with the highest rate of deforestation, with the most intense activities carried out in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor.

Leong said the enforcement of environmental laws remained a challenge and this was due to factors including lack of transparency, corruption and blatant disregard for regulations.