Potentialities and constraints of the environmental law and policy in Malaysia to protect the environment: An empirical study for sustainable development

Malaysia is one of the very environmentally rich countries in the world. At present, her traditions and heritage have been facing with numerous environmental problems such as air pollution, water pollution, exploitation of natural resources etc. Although, there are some historic states in Malaysia listed as a UNESCO Heritage Sites in the country. In order to cope with the environmental problems, the Government of Malaysia has passed some important environmental laws and policies such as the Environment Quality Act 1974 and its Regulations 1989, the Environmental Quality Order 1989, the Protection of Wildlife Act, the National Forestry Act 1984, the Fisheries Act 1985, the National Parks Act 1980, the International Environmental Laws etc. In addition to that, the Civil Law Act 1972, the Principles of the English Laws, the Federal Law, Shariah Laws, the Adat Temenggung (Malay Customary Laws) with some international environmental obligations etc; have also been implemented in order to attain sustainable environment and development in the country. But it regrets that these laws and policies have not been properly implemented due to some problems such as non - coordination, weak enforcement, customary attitudes etc. The study will examine potentialities and constraints of the environmental laws and policies in Malaysia consisting of 25 respondents in different criteria such as the professionals including foreigners, local people, old aged people, law enforcing agency, students etc., based on the primary and secondary sources through structured and unstructured in Melaka City, Malaysia.