The new Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system will be introduced soon, which among others, lists more stringent conditions for mega development projects including marine land reclamation.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, said the new EIA system, would be tabled at the cabinet before being taken to the next level.

"After the Cabinet endorses it, we will present it to the National Physical Development Council before presenting it to the National Land Council.

"After that, if all is clear, the new EIA system can then be adopted," he told reporters after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Department of Wildlife and the Malaysian Association of Veterinary Pathology here today.

He said the new EIA system would take into account social factors and political impact including fishermen's complaints as well as involving the participation of more agencies, including the Department of Environment, Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Department of Marine Park and the National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM).

Asked about the Tanjung Pinang Phase II development project, Wan Junaidi said the project had been approved and subject to the conditions set out in the EIA report.

"Any approved development project cannot be withdrawn. I have informed the Penang state government that any future development project will be subject to the new EIA system," he said.

Meanwhile, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry will hold a meeting with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) to identify measures to be taken on wildlife, especially the endangered species seized in smuggling activities which number not in 10s or 20s but in hundreds at times.

Wan Junaidi, said other parties, including non-governmental organisations are welcome to contribute to the necessary measures, especially in terms of wildlife conservation in the country.

"What is worrying is these animals cannot be released into our environment as we are not familiar with the species and they may harm the local species and also our flora and fauna," he said.

The meeting would also discuss the placement, food and costs needed in managing these wildlife.

On another note, Wan Junaidi said the government needed to tighten law enforcement on the country's entry and exit routes by land and sea as Malaysia is often used as a transit point for wildlife trafficking.

-- BERNAMA