Effluent discharges from large-scale manufacturing or heavy industries, such as the oil refineries and the FIZ/FCZ complexes, including food processing industries are regulated by the Department of Environment, and have to meet specific industrial and sewerage discharge standards prescribed under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (EQA 1974). The oil palm and rubber industries are licensed under two separate regulations, also under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Although large industries are well regulated, smaller and medium industries may be exempted, due to the small
Country Report on Pollution - Malaysia
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discharge volume for example, or given temporary contravention licenses. In addition, many agro-based and land development activities are not classified as an "industrial plant" and are not under the purview of the Department of Environment. Such activities can result in pollution of waterways.