Planning to build or operate a factory in Malaysia? Learn how to comply with Department of Environment (DOE) requirements, including EIA, PTI, PTO, and scheduled waste regulations for industrial projects.
Understanding the Role of Malaysia's Department of Environment (DOE) in Industrial Development
When developing or operating a factory in Malaysia, complying with environmental regulations is not optional — it’s a critical part of your project approval. The Department of Environment (DOE) plays a central role in evaluating and regulating industrial projects to ensure they meet national environmental standards.
This blog explains the role of the DOE, what approvals manufacturers and developers need, and how to avoid delays in your project timeline.
What is the DOE (Department of Environment)?
The Department of Environment (Jabatan Alam Sekitar or JAS) is a government agency under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES). It is responsible for:
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Preventing, controlling, and monitoring pollution from industries
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Reviewing and approving Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
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Regulating scheduled waste and emissions
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Enforcing compliance with the Environmental Quality Act 1974
When Does DOE Approval Apply to Industrial Projects?
You’ll likely need DOE involvement if you are:
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Building a new factory on industrial land
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Expanding an existing plant with increased production or emissions
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Changing land use from agriculture to industrial
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Operating a facility that involves chemicals, effluents, or hazardous processes
Key Approvals and Submissions to the DOE
1. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Required for:
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Heavy industries
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Projects over certain land size thresholds (e.g., >50 hectares)
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Factories near sensitive areas (rivers, residential zones)
A DOE-approved consultant must prepare the EIA report.
2. Written Notification & Permission to Install (PTI)
Before installing any equipment (e.g., boilers, chimneys, scrubbers), you must get written approval under Section 19 of the Environmental Quality Act.
3. Permission to Operate (PTO)
Once equipment is installed, you need separate permission to operate it — ensuring it meets emission control standards.
4. Scheduled Waste Notification
If your factory produces scheduled waste (e.g., chemicals, solvents, oil sludge), you must:
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Notify DOE
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Properly label, store, and dispose through licensed contractors
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Submit monthly waste inventory reports
Documents Typically Required
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Project layout plan
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Land title and zoning confirmation
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Engineering reports (e.g., effluent, air pollution control)
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Company profile
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Supporting EIA or mitigation plan
You may also need BOMBA, Local Council, and land office approvals in parallel.
How Long Does DOE Approval Take?
| Submission Type | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| EIA (Category 1) | 3–6 months |
| EIA (Category 2 - Detailed) | 6–12 months |
| PTI & PTO | 4–10 weeks |
| Scheduled Waste Reg. | 2–4 weeks |
Tips to Speed Up the Process
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Appoint a qualified EIA or environmental consultant early
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Prepare complete documents — missing items cause major delays
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Ensure your site layout complies with zoning and buffer requirements
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Avoid starting construction before receiving DOE clearance
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Engage with state-level DOE officers for guidance and clarification
Which Industries Require Close DOE Monitoring?
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Palm oil and food processing
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Rubber & latex manufacturers
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Electronics and semiconductors
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Paints, chemicals, and coatings
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Plastic & metal recycling
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Waste-to-energy or biomass plants
Case Example: DOE Requirement for a Semi-D Factory in Rawang
A client buying a 1-acre semi-D factory in Rawang planned to operate a plastic injection molding plant. DOE required:
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Written notification for machine installation
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Submission of air pollution control equipment specs
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Scheduled waste registration
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Site inspection before PTO approval
With complete submission, they received approval in under 2 months.
Need Help with DOE Submission?
At Terra Group, we work with certified environmental consultants and industrial developers to ensure:
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Proper site selection that aligns with DOE policies
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Project planning that meets environmental regulations
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Assistance with EIA, PTI/PTO, and scheduled waste licensing
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End-to-end support from acquisition to factory setup
? Contact us now if you're planning a new industrial project in 2025.
Contact us Call Kenneth 017-380 9993 Or WhatsApp our team directly for the latest availability
