KUALA LUMPUR: It is the responsibility of the Penang government to address environmental issues related to the proposed undersea tunnel and hill slope development in the state.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (pic) said there is a public misconception that his ministry is responsible for such matters.
"The Federal Government through the ministry only guides the states on the regulations.
"It is the state governments that are responsible for implementing the laws in their respective states," he said, in response to a question by Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.
Dr Wan Junaidi cited tree felling at Penang Hill as an example which had drawn public ire.
"It is the responsibility of the state through the local council authorities to enforce the law," he added.
He noted that an environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports were needed for projects above 50ha prior to Aug 28 last year.
"They will need to prepare at EIA report for projects larger than 20ha or if deemed necessary due to environmental sensitivity after Aug 28 last year," he said.
Dr Wan Junaidi said there is no need for an EIA report for the proposed Penang undersea tunnel as it only at the initial proposal stage.
He added that an EIA would be required if plans for the construction of the tunnel were submitted for approval.
