EIA/VER-2/2008

EIA
Consultant Registration Scheme
Guidance Document

Department of Environment
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Level 1 - 4, Podium Block 2 & 3
Lot 4G3, Precinct 4
Federal Government Administrative Centre
62574 Putrajaya
Tel: 03-88712000 Fax: 03-88891045
www.doe.gov.my
TABLE OF CONTENTS

EIA CONSULTANT REGISTRATION SCHEME

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

1.2 Legal requirements

2.0 REGISTRATION CATEGORY

2.1 EIA Consultant
2.2 Subject Consultant
2.3 Assistant Consultant

3.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 Roles and Responsibilities of EIA Consultants

3.2 Roles and Responsibilities of Subject Consultants
3.3 Roles and Responsibilities of Assistant Consultants
3.4 Special tasks for EIA Study Team Leader
3.5 Other matters
3.5.1 Responsibility of team members
3.5.2 Responsibility of project developer

4.0 AREA OF EXPERTISE

5.0 REGISTRATION CRITERIA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

6.0 OTHER REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Portfolio of Work
6.2 References
6.3 Interview
6.4 Personal Attributes

7.0 CODE OF CONDUCT

8.0 APPEAL

9.0 RELATED FEES

Processing fee

10.0 REGISTRATION RENEWAL

10.1 Requirements for renewal
10.2 EIA qualifying experiences
10.3 Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
10.4 Continuous Evaluation Process
10.5 Summary of requirements for renewal
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11.0 REGISTRATION UPGRADE

12.0 TEMPORARY REGISTRATION

13.0 DEREGISTRATION AND SUSPENSION

14.0 CONFIDENTIALITY

15.0 PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE

APPENDIX 1 FORM A : APPLICATION FORM

SECTION A - PERSONAL INFORMATION

SECTION B - ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
SECTION C - WORKING EXPERIENCE
SECTION D - MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES
SECTION E - RELEVANT TRAINING/ COURSES
SECTION F - RELEVANT EIA EXPERIENCE
SECTION G - OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
SECTION H - DECLARATION
SECTION 1 - PAYMENT

APPENDIX 2 PORTFOLIO OF WORK FOR EIA CONSULTANT

APPENDIX 3 PORTFOLIO OF WORK FOR SUBJECT CONSULTANT

APPENDIX 4 FORM B : REFEREE ASSESSMENT FORM

APPENDIX 5 CPD LOG SHEET

APPENDIX 6 EIA LOG SHEET

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EIA CONSULTANT REGISTRATION SCHEME

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

The EIA has been enforced in Malaysia with the introduction of Section 34A, Environmental
Quality Act, 1974. The Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact
Assessment) Order 1987 listed 19 activities that require EIA approval prior to physical
implementation. Earlier, a voluntary registration scheme was introduced in Malaysia to register
EIA consultants.

As part of the improvement effort by the DOE Malaysia, this new EIA Consultant Registration
Scheme will replace the previous EIA Consultant Registration Scheme. It is designed to
improve the standard of professionalism among EIA practitioners by ensuring that they have
the minimum qualifications and skills required to conduct an environmental impact assessment
study. It is expected that this will lead to significant improvements in the quality of EIA reports
produced and submitted to DOE. All EIA consultants registered under the previous scheme are
required to submit fresh applications. These applications will be reviewed based on the new
criteria and requirements.

1.2 Legal requirements

Registration under this scheme will be made a legal requirement. As of 1st June 2007 (later
changed to 1st October 2007) any individual wishing to be involved in any EIA study must be
registered under this scheme.

2.0 REGISTRATION CATEGORY

Registration is open for individuals and divided into three categories namely, EIA Consultant,
Subject Consultant and Assistant Consultant. Applicants may apply for any registration
category appropriate to their skills and experience. For the EIA Consultant and Assistant
Consultant category, each applicant may select up to four areas of expertise from the list
provided in Section 4. Candidate who chooses more than four areas will automatically be
required to attend an interview. Subject Consultant may only indicate one area of expertise.
Application can be made using Form A : Registration Form (Appendix 1)

Note :

Registration is open for Malaysian and non Malaysian.

2.1 EIA Consultant

EIA consultants should have at least 7 years experience in general environmental

management and a minimum of 5 years of experience in EIA and be actively involved in EIA
studies on regular basis. EIA Consultants must have a good understanding of EIA Processes
and local regulations concerning environmental matters and planning. EIA Consultants must
possess basic environmental management knowledge and skills and must be familiar with
environmental assessment techniques and mitigating measures. Under the new scheme,
consultants are allowed to select up to four different areas of specialization within which to
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work. However, final decision will be made by the Registration Committee based on the
qualifications and experience of the consultants. EIA Consultants must have sufficient
competency in the areas that they wish to work and possess excellent writing and
communication skills.

Note :

Registered EIA consultant is allowed to accept any offer to conduct EIA study for any
prescribed activities; however, he must ensure that his study team is sufficiently competent to
conduct the study. Therefore, in cases where detailed assessment is needed for certain
environmental impacts, the EIA consultant shall consider engaging other registered EIA
Consultant or Subject Consultant to be in his team. The judgment on the expertise needed
shall be based on the nature of the proposed activity, locality and possible significant impacts.
Detailed information on team members such as registration number, academic background
and his registered areas must be included in the EIA report.

2.2 Subject Consultant

Subject Consultants should have an in depth knowledge in any field indicated in list
provided in Section 4. Subject Consultant is allowed to choose only one area of
expertise. Further explanation on the expertise may be further clarified by the candidate
in the application form. Experience in EIA or environmental management is not
required. However, Subject Consultant is not permitted to lead an EIA study team.

Note :

Applicant that fulfills requirements for EIA Consultant and EIA Specialist may apply to
be registered under both categories.

2.3 Assistant Consultant

Under this Scheme, Assistant Consultants are considered to be individuals involved in EIA
Studies at trainee level. Assistant Consultants must work under the supervision of a registered
EIA Consultant. Once they fulfill the minimum requirements, Assistant Consultants may
upgrade their registration to EIA Consultant.

Note :

Assistant Consultant without the minimum academic requirement (first degree), will not be
able to upgrade their registration, even if they fulfill other conditions.

3.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN EIA STUDIES

The roles and responsibilities of EIA Consultant, Subject Consultant, Assistant Consultant and
Project Developer are described in this section. An EIA Study team must appoint a team
leader who must be a registered EIA Consultant. Any EIA study team must comprised of at
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least one registered EIA Consultant and any number of Subject Consultant and/or
Assistant Consultants. A study team shall have at least two registered individuals.

3.1 Roles and responsibilities of EIA Consultant

General duties of EIA Consultant shall include (but need not be limited to) the
following tasks:

(i) To conduct the study based on the scope of study or approved TOR
(ii) To guide Assistant Consultants within the team
(iii) Prepare write up for the related sections. Draft may be prepared by an
Assistant Consultant but the final version must be thoroughly examined and
approved by the EIA Consultant

3.2 Roles and responsibilities of Subject Consultant

General duties of Subject Consultant shall include (but need not be limited to) the
following tasks:

(i) To conduct specific studies and/or assessment based on the scope of study
or approved TOR.
(ii) Prepare write up for the related sections.

3.3 Roles and Responsibilities of Assistant Consultant

General duties of Assistant Consultant shall include (but need not be limited to) the
following tasks:

To assist the EIA Consultant in carrying out the study. Assistant Consultant must work under
the supervision of an EIA Consultant. The tasks of Assistant Consultant may include sampling,
data collection and literature review.

3.4 Special tasks for EIA Study Team Leader

Each study team must appoint a study team leader. Only registered EIA consultants are
eligible to be appointed as study team leader. The study team leader will have the following
additional tasks:

(i) To select team members. Members must be selected based on the needs and nature of
the prescribed activity. The team leader is responsible for ensuring team members
selected are sufficiently competent to conduct the relevant study.
(ii) To undertake the scoping exercise for the proposed study; and if required; shall produce
the TOR to be submitted to DOE. Scoping exercise shall include thorough discussion
with all team members and other interested parties.
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(iii) To coordinate and assign tasks to team members.
(iv) To be responsible over the quality control aspects of the report, particularly in terms of
information coordination and report presentation.

3.5 Other matters

3.5.1 Responsibility of all team members

All study team members are responsible for any content that they have control of. However,
the team leader must supervise the work produced by the team. Team leader as a competent
and experienced EIA Consultant shall be able to provide some guidance for other team
members on the depth of study or assessment required, and does the overall quality check on
the report. Editing of the report, in terms of language and clarity may be undertaken by any
team member deemed to be competent.

3.5.2 Responsibility of project developer

Project developer shall carefully select his EIA Consultant from the list of registered
consultants published by DOE (www.doe.gov.my). Selection shall be based on competency
and experience of consultant. For certain activities, it may be useful to select consultant with
the relevant sectoral experience. Project developer shall provide relevant specific information
about his proposal e.g; proposed project concept and specific or unique industrial process to
assist the study team. In the case where developer has to disclose confidential information
such as patented design or process, the developer may arrange for a confidentiality agreement
for his consultants. Any information that may influence the assessment and study findings
must be provided.

The project developer shall read the report and acknowledged that he understands and agrees
with the proposed mitigating measures indicated. The developer however, shall never
influence the study findings.

4.0 AREA OF EXPERTISE

EIA Consultants and Assistant Consultants are allowed to choose a maximum of four areas of
expertise. Selection shall be based on the individual’s academic qualifications, training and
experience. However, the registration committee will make the final decision on the
areas of specialization that may be granted to an applicant. Evidence, in the form of
certificates or examination results, must be submitted with the application. Applicant must have
obtained basic formal training for all areas chosen to ensure sufficient understanding on the
subject matter. Subject Consultant is allowed to choose only one area of expertise.
Applicants are also allowed to indicate any other fields, which may be relevant in EIA
study.

Areas of expertise for Environmental Impact Assessment study are as follows:

Forestry
Ecological studies
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 Fisheries
Hydrology
Water quality
Waste water
Noise & vibration
Air quality and odour
Landscape & visual
Geology & soil
Geotechnical study
Geomorphology
Hydrogeological study
Archaeology
History
Traffic impact assessment
Social impact assessment
Economic valuation/ economic analysis
Health impact assessment
Quantitative risk assessment
Chemical processes
Industrial processes (other than chemical processes)
Land use planning
Mining
Quarrying
Scheduled waste management
Solid waste management
General environmental management
Others (please specify)

Note :

Specific information on the field of expertise can be further clarified in the Application
Form. For example, you may indicate environmental models that you are familiar with;
as well as your sectoral experience.

5.0 REGISTRATION CRITERIA AND REQUIREMENTS

Table A: Registration criteria for EIA Consultant, Subject Consultant and Assistant
Consultant

CRITERIA EIA CONSULTANT SUBJECT ASSISTANT

SPECIALIST CONSULTANT
(i) Academic Degree in sciences, Degree with Degree in sciences,
qualification technology or minimum 7 technology or engineering.
engineering. years of working Applicants with other
Applicants with other experience in the non-technical or science
non-technical or sciences selected field degree may only work
degree may only work within their academic
within their academic or specialization
specialization.
Masters degree or
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 with minimum
5 years of Diploma in sciences,
working technology or
experience in the engineering
selected field

or

PhD with
minimum 3 years
of
working
experience in the
selected field.
(ii) General Minimum 7 years Not required Minimum 1 year
environmental
management
experience
(iii) EIA related Minimum 5 years Not required Not required
experience
(i) (iv) Minimum 5 reports Not required Not required
(ii) number of
reEIA reports
a approved
(v) Core (i) Attendance of Must be highly (i) Attendance of
competencies formal EIA training competent in the formal
(evidence to be selected field EIA training (evidence
supplied) (evidence to be to be supplied)
supplied).
(ii) Sufficient Subject Consultant (ii) Basic understanding
understanding must be able to of EIA processes (e.g :
of EIA processes (e.g : perform detailed scoping, screening,
scoping, screening, study and impact assessment,
impact assessment, detailed mitigating measures,
mitigating measures, assessment monitoring, report
monitoring, report which may writing, preparation of
writing, preparation of include EMP, project management
EMP, project modeling skills
management skills
(ii) Basic
(iii) Sufficient understanding
understanding of of environmental &
environmental & planning planning regulations in
regulations in Malaysia Malaysia

Evidence
on the expertise (core
competencies) in the
form of certificates or

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 examination results
must be submitted
together with the
application

Note :

(i) Science disciplines may include natural sciences,biological sciences, physical

sciences, earth sciences and environmental sciences
(ii) Technology disciplines may include Bioprocess, Biotechnology and
Environmental Technology
(ii) Engineering disciplines may include Environmental Engineering, Chemical
Engineering, Civil Engineering and Electrical Engineering
(iv) Applicant with medical degree and specific training in Health Impact Assessment
may only work in Health Impact Assessment
(vii) Applicants with other degree, may only work within their specialized area
(viii) Competency may also be obtained by attending specialized training or
certification course

6.0 OTHER REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Portfolio of Work

Applicants for the EIA Consultant category must submit a Portfolio of Work including five of the
most relevant EIA reports previously completed. The portfolio must be submitted according to
the format provided in Appendix 2: Portfolio of Work for EIA Consultants. The portfolio must
highlight the chosen areas of expertise.

Subject Consultants are also required to submit a Portfolio of Work indicating the work they
had been involved related to the field of expertise selected. Format for Portfolio of Work is
provided in Appendix 3: Portfolio of Work for Subject Consultant. Subject Consultant may
provide relevant section or summary of his work. Submission of Portfolio of Work is optional for
Assistant Consultant.

6.2 References

Applicants must name two (2) individual referees who can verify his/ her capabilities, skills,
knowledge and experiences. Applicants must advise the selected referees of their nomination
and get advance consent. Applicants will need to fill in basic information in Form B: Referee
and submit it to the referee. The referee needs to submit the completed Form B: Referee
Assessment (Appendix 4) directly to DOE.

To increase the chance of successful registration, the applicant must carefully select the
referees. As a general guideline, suitable referees could be individuals that:

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 Have good reputation and are highly respected in the field of environmental management
 Were the applicant’s previous employer or supervisor, preferably in the area of
environmental management or the area of his expertise
 Are the applicant’s current employer or supervisor
and;
 Have known the applicant professionally for a minimum of three (3) years.

6.3 Interview

An interview will be conducted for applicants who choose more than four areas of
specialization. For other applicants, interview will be conducted on case by case basis (e.g : if
further clarification is needed or based on recommendation from referee).

6.4 Personal Attributes

Applicants for registration should be able to demonstrate the personal attributes necessary for
conducting environmental impact assessment. Desirable personal attributes are:

(i) Competence in clearly and fluently expressing concepts and ideas, orally and in writing;
(ii) Good interpersonal skills;
(iii) Independence, strong motivation and objectivity when undertaking consultancy
responsibilities;
(iv) Personal organization skills necessary to conduct the environmental assessment
effectively and efficiently;
(v) The ability to make professional judgment based on study findings;
(vi) The ability to react with sensitivity to the conventions and culture of the organization,
site or region in which the EIA study is performed.

Note :

Individual with any serious criminal offence (e.g : bribery, criminal breach of trust,
misappropriation of fund) that could affect his integrity and professionalism, will not be
considered.

7.0 CODE OF CONDUCT

All applicants must sign and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct, which is designed to
ensure that registered individuals act in an ethical and professional manner.

All registered individuals shall:

Act professionally, accurately and in an unbiased manner;

Strive to increase the competence and prestige of the environmental
impact assessment profession;
Assist those under my supervision (if relevant) in developing their
management, professional and environmental impact assessment skills;
Not to undertake any job that I am not competent to perform;

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 Not to represent conflicting or competing interests and to disclose to any
client or employer any relationship that may influence my judgment;
Not to accept any inducement, commission, gift or any other benefit from
any interested party or knowingly allow colleagues to do so;
Not to intentionally communicate false or misleading information that
may compromise the integrity of any EIA study; and
Not to act in any way that would prejudice the reputation of the EIA
Consultants Registration Scheme or the environmental consultants
registration process and to co-operate fully with any inquiry in the event of
any illegal breach of this code.

8.0 APPEAL

In cases where applications are not approved, the applicants ere entitled to appeal in writing.
The appeal must be received by the Secretariat within 1 MONTH from the date of rejection
letter issued by DOE.

9.0 RELATED FEES

Processing fee

The structure of the processing fee is indicated in Table 2:

CATEGORY PROCESSING FEE

(i) EIA Consultant RM 500
(ii) Subject Consultant RM 300
(iii) Assistant Consultant RM 300
(iv) EIA Consultant & Subject RM 800
Specialist

The processing fee will not be refunded if the candidate fails to meet the criteria for a particular
category. However, applicants rejected for the EIA Consultant category but fulfill the minimum
requirements for an Assistant Consultant will be automatically registered as Assistant
Consultant. Applications must be sent to :

Secretariat
EIA Consultants Registration Scheme
Assessment Division
Department of Environment Malaysia
Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment
Level 1-4, Podium 2 & 3
Lot 4G3, Precinct 4,
Federal Government Administrative Centre
62574 Putrajaya, MALAYSIA
(Attention : Cik Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab / Puan Nur Syuhaida Mohd Shamsudin)
Tel : 03- 88712000/
Fax : 03-88891045

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Note :

(i) Payment in the form of Cheque / Money Order/ Postal Order must be made payable to
Director General, Department of Environment.
(ii) Applicant for EIA Consultant & Subject Consultant category shall pay processing fee for
both categories; however, application may be submitted in the same form. For Portfolio
of Work, applicant may choose to submit two separate documents or one single
document.

10.0 REGISTRATION RENEWAL

10.1 Requirements for renewal (Refer Table 3)

10.1.1 EIA Consultants are required to renew their application every three years. Once
registered, there is no requirement on the minimum number of actual EIA reports to be
conducted every year. However, to qualify for renewal, the consultant must fulfill a minimum of
five (5) qualifying EIA experiences (in three years) and a minimum of 50 hours per year of
Continued Professional Development which must also be recorded in log book/ log sheet
(Refer Appendix 5 : CPD Log Sheet).

10.1.2 Subject Consultants are required to renew their registration every five years. To ensure
continuous improvement and exposure to latest development particularly in his selected field;
and environmental management in general, Subject Consultant must fulfill a minimum of 20
hours per year of Continued Professional Development (CPD). The CPD may cover his field of
expertise and other relevant environmental management fields.

10.1.3 Assistant Consultant are also encouraged to attend related trainings to improve their
knowledge and be exposed to new development or techniques in environmental management.

10.2 EIA qualifying experiences

As a general guideline, acceptable activities qualifying for EIA experiences are:

(i) Participation in TOR preparation for EIA

(ii) Participation in EIA study
(iii) Participation in Environmental Assessment or Site Assessment
(iv) Participation in preparation of EMP
(v) Involvement in preparation of any EIA guidance documents or any other environmental
and technical guidelines
(vi) Study or research related to the consultant’s expertise (e.g : Study on the noise and
vibration from LRT operations or water quality study of Sungai Langat)

Qualifying EIA experiences must be recorded in EIA Log Sheet (Appendix 6)

Note

This list is not exhaustive, whenever in doubt, applicant may refer to Secretariat

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10.3 Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Registered individualss should develop their personal attributes and skills by:

(i) Ensuring that their knowledge of EIA and impact assessment techniques is current best
practice;
(ii) Ensuring that their knowledge of environmental laws, regulations and procedures is
current;

(iii) Undertaking refresher training where necessary;

(iv) Ensuring that their experience in the execution of relevant EIA works are current and
maintained

Some of the activities that qualify for CPD are:

(i) Participation in EIA Panel Meeting as Expert Panel

(ii) Related workshop
(iii) Related training
(iv) Resource person for related seminar or training
(v) Technical meetings related to environmental management, planning or consultants’
expertise

Note :

(i) Course/ workshop/ training providers will have to obtain approval from DOE for CPD
hours.
(ii) Registered individuals shall refer to Guidance Document on CPD for EIA Consultants,
published by DOE Malaysia for further clarification (in drafting process and will be
published soon).

10.4 Continuous Evaluation Process

Continuous Evaluation Process is introduced with the objective to provide constant

evaluation on the consultants’ performance. Desk officers (DOE officers) for the
EIA report will provide their comments on study team members’ performance. To
ensure fair and uniform assessment, all EIA processing officers will be trained to
carry out the evaluation using a set of criteria and guidelines. All comments will be
channeled to the Secretariat, and will be used for renewal purpose.

10.5 Summary of requirements for renewal

Table 3 : Summary of requirements for renewal

Requirements for EIA Consultant Subject Consultant

Renewal

Renewal Fee RM300 Not required

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 EIA qualifying 5 Not required
Experience

CPD 50 hours 20 hours

Continuous Demonstrate Demonstrate

Evaluation Process satisfactory performance satisfactory performance

Note:

(i) Renewal of registration will not be granted, unless all requirements for renewal are
fulfilled. However, final decision will be made by the Registration Committee appointed
by the Director General of Environment.
(ii) Assistant Consultant is not required to renew their registration; however they can be
deregistered following failure to adhere to Code of Conduct (see Item 7.0)

11.0 REGISTRATION UPGRADE

All registered individuals are required to keep a personal log of relevant experience and
training, which must be either signed by their employer or client, or be substantiated by
documentary proof. Log-sheets must be submitted to the DOE at the time of renewal of
registration or upon request.

Assistant Consultants who wish to upgrade to the EIA Consultant category once they have
attained the necessary requirements will have to make fresh application under the EIA
Consultant category. The new application will be charged accordingly.

Subject Consultants may also apply to be registered as EIA Consultants once they have
fulfilled all the necessary requirements.

12.0 TEMPORARY REGISTRATION

Temporary registration for special cases may be granted by the Director General for foreign
experts under the Subject Consultant category. However, the same minimum requirements are
applicable, and need to be proven with relevant documents. No fee will be charged for the
temporary registration. Application by foreign experts for long term registration will subject to
the same procedure and requirements as their local counterparts.

13.0 DEREGISTRATION AND SUSPENSION

Registered individuals can be deregistered or suspended if they fail to comply with the Code of
Conduct or fail to fulfill the minimum requirements of CPD and qualifying EIA experience or
other reasonable grounds. The committee set up under this Registration Scheme will make the
final decision.

14.0 CONFIDENTIALITY

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All information and material submitted to DOE is confidential. However, for the purpose of
ensuring the provision of correct information to potential users, such as project developers, the
DOE may publish relevant information on the registration scheme website.

15.0 PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE

DOE encourages all registered individuals to obtain their Professional Indemnity Insurance.
SZA:C:EIA Consultants Registration Scheme/feb2007/ 2008

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