1st HIA for ASEAN WorkshopUnderstanding Health Impact Assessment (HIA):

A Foundation for the Well-being of the ASEAN Community”

13-14 February 2012, The Aquamarine Resort and Villa, Phuket, Thailand

MALAYSIA

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY (1)

The guiding principles for environmental policy objectives which form the basis for development planning are to:

Maintain a clean and healthy environment;Minimize the impact of the growing population and human activities relating to mineral exploration, deforestation, agriculture, urbanization, tourism, and development of other resources, on the environment;Place more emphasis on prevention through conservation rather than through curative measures;

.

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY (2)

The guiding principles for environmental policy objectives which form the basis for development planning are to:

Balance the goals of socioeconomic development and the need to bring the benefits of development to a wide spectrum of population against the maintenance of sound environmental constitution, andIncorporate an environmental dimension in project planning and implementation through the conduct of Environmental Impact Assessment Studies; .

WHY WE SHOULD HAVE HIA (1)

an attempt to prevent the manifestations of adverse health impacts that may emanate from the environmental impacts of a proposed project.

not only help avoid unnecessary hardships due to negative health consequences, but preventing a health effect is certainly less costly than treating it.

assesses the health impact of a development project, program or policy.

can be retrospective, concurrent or prospective .

WHY WE SHOULD HAVE HIA (2)

• healthy communities are essential for successful and sustainable projects

• early design and operational interventions often more cost-effective than health sector interventions later

• seizing opportunities adds value and make economic sense

• basis for a strategic alliance between the health and environment sectors to collaborate on cross-cutting issues

WHAT IS HIA (1)

The application of HIA in Malaysia has been mainly in the context of an EIA study. Healthy public policyStrategic assessment.Hazard mapping.Environmental epidemiology.Health inequalities impact assessmentThe impact of ill health and poverty on the environment.Inclusion of human health in Environmental Impact Assessment.

STEPS IN HIA OF EIA Screening – the needs, necessity, mandatory Scope of coverage – in phases (site preparation, construction,

operational, abandonment) Description of existing public health status – comparing the

baseline existing status and impacts of projects Health Risk Assessment - Quantitative• Hazard identification• Dose-response assessment • Exposure assessment• Risk characterisation Health Risk Assessment – Qualitative Mitigation measures – measures to overcome or alleviate

adverse impacts from projects. Solely health impacts, except direct occupational health impacts

HIA DEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIA

In Malaysia, Section 34A of the Environmental Quality Act, 1974, empowers the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment after due consultation, to prescribe any activity which may have significant environmental impact as a Prescribed Activity.

The section further requires the Project Proponent of a Prescribed Activity to submit an EIA report to the Director General of Environmental Quality, before approval for the proposed activity is granted by the relevant approving authority.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

EIA Consultant I Assessor•Individual who conducts the environmental impact assessment.•Employed by and is responsible to the Project Initiator.•Must be registered with the DOE and has to maintain his professionalism in conducting the EIA and producing the EIA Report.•Does not necessarily have to be a third-party. The assessor could also be an employee of the Project Initiator but has to be registered with the DOE and shall remain independent throughout the study.

THE PROJECT APPROVING AUTHORITIES

• The National Development Planning Committee for Federal Government sponsored projects;

• The State Executive Council;• The various Local Authorities or Regional Development

Authorities with respect to planning approval within their respective areas; and

• The Ministry of International Trade and Industry for industrial projects.

THE ENVIRONMENT/HEALTH RELATED AGENCIES

• Related agencies are also called to assist in reviewing EIA report or provide inputs on environmental effects and impacts.

• Agencies includes: Local Authority, Town & Country Planning, Dept. of Irrigation and Drainage, Forestry Department, Marine Department, Department of Minerals and Geosciences, / Min of Health …etc.

THE PUBLIC

• Inputs and comments to be given on TOR & DEIA• Participate in the public briefings or dialogues organized by

the Project Initiator

HIA DEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIA

Now considered mandatory for many detailed EIA projects in Malaysia.Integration of Environmental Impact Assessment and Health Impact assessment.Comprehensive HIA capacity buildingWorkshop for MOH staffIntersectoral Skills Development

RECOMMENDATION FOR PROMOTING HIA

•Should be more active in the promoting the HIA activities. •HIA not only be done for HIA in EIA but also for the Non-EIA HIA such project or policy before it is built or implemented.•HIAs can be voluntary or regulatory processes that focus on health outcomes such as obesity, physical inactivity, asthma, injuries, and social equity.

THANK YOU