Industrial development and environmental degradation within Langat drainage basin, Malaysia

Abstract

Development process often causes negative consequences to the environment. This article focuses on environmental degradation especially the water quality in the Langat Basin that has been brought about by industrial development. The Langat Basin has been the focus of industrial development since 1970’s. The policies and strategies drawn up by the Federal and State Governments drive the process of industrial development and continue to support economic and human development within the basin. However, the development of industries does not only result in positive impact but also a number of negative impacts. The environment, as the receiving end of pollutants generated from industrial development process has been deteriorating in its quality. The Langat Basin ecosystem is experiencing the impact of the development and its river water quality has been deteriorating. Policy issues and options for mitigating the environmental impact of industrial development, including legislative and market-based instruments are highlighted. To minimize the implication of industrial development and its related activities there is a need to greater integration and co-ordination of the various government agencies, private sector and the industries. It is envisaged that these stakeholders need to work together to achieve sustainable industrialization, to preserve the interest of the industries along with protecting the ecosystem of the Langat Basin and the welfare of the population