MPs call for light pollution to be included in EIA guidelines

New Straits Times

11-07-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Government and opposition lawmakers are calling for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) to explicitly include light pollution, warning that unchecked artificial lighting is posing a growing threat to Malaysia's ecosystems, wildlife, and public health.
Several backbencher members of parliament (MPs), when contacted by the New Straits Times, have also shown support for the idea that the issue of light pollution can be raised in the upcoming parliamentary session.
Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the government is currently amending the Environmental Quality Act (EQA), providing a timely opportunity to address the issue.
"The government has already started work to amend EQA to the highest standards. We can use this opportunity to address issues such as light pollution.
"Elements such as light pollution and buffer zones for urban areas should be revisited in the EIA," says the former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister.
Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung supported the move, urging that EIAs expand their scope to cover light pollution, particularly for developments near ecologically sensitive areas such as Bukit Kiara and coastal turtle nesting sites.
"Light pollution doesn't just affect biodiversity, but also erodes our connection with the night sky.
"It's time policymakers take this seriously by enforcing 'dark sky' zones and limiting excessive or misdirected lighting."
He added that even bright LED advertisement boards pose a danger to road users and the environment.
Kuala Terengganu MP Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim described light pollution as a hidden yet serious form of environmental degradation.
"Because it doesn't produce smoke, smell or noise, many people underestimate its impact.
"But it severely affects biodiversity, human health, and scientific research," he said.
He cited cases in Terengganu where artificial lights from roads, resorts and billboards confuse baby turtles, causing up to 90 per cent of them to head inland instead of toward the sea, resulting in death from predators, heat, or vehicles.
Ahmad Amzad praised the Malaysian Space Agency's work on a national framework to protect astronomy and astrotourism activities, which could also protect biodiversity.
He suggested that areas like Setiu Wetlands and Tasik Kenyir be gazetted as "dark sky zones" and proposed that local governments introduce bylaws governing light direction, type, spectrum and operating hours.
Terengganu Tourism, Culture and Environment executive councillor Datuk Razali Idris echoed these concerns, particularly with regard to the endangered river terrapin.
He said bright artificial lighting deters nesting and confuses hatchlings, increasing mortality rates.
"Young terrapins rely on natural light cues to reach rivers. But artificial lighting often misguides them toward villages or roads, putting them at serious risk," he said.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said she has been advocating for the establishment of a protective buffer zone around Bukit Kiara Federal Park to prevent encroaching developments and address lighting and other environmental threats.
When asked whether light pollution should be included in EIAs, Yeoh replied, "Why not?"
In response to NST's queries, the Environment Department said light pollution can be considered in EIAs, particularly for projects in ecologically sensitive areas, under the Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Order 2015.
"Light pollution may be significant even if not directly. Excessive lighting has the potential to contribute to heat emissions, which in turn can lead to increased temperatures and disrupt the surrounding ecosystem.
"Studies should be conducted by project proponents and EIA consultants to identify the impacts and propose appropriate mitigation measures." However, the department confirmed that there is no existing guideline specific to light pollution and that it is not within the jurisdiction of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
"Even so, for assessments in the EIA report, consultants may refer to relevant agencies or any guidelines implemented by other countries to identify mitigation measures that can minimise environmental impacts."
NST's checks on the Environment Department's EIA Guidelines found that baseline studies focus on air quality, water quality, noise, vibration, and visual aesthetics, with no direct mention of light pollution.
To compare with other countries, Chile's Environmental Assessment Service introduced new environmental assessment criteria in 2024 to regulate artificial lighting near astronomical zones.
The guidelines determine when a project's light emissions are deemed significant and likely to affect areas of scientific or research value used for astronomical observation.
France adopted a national light pollution policy in 2019, aimed at preserving nighttime darkness by controlling outdoor light emissions.
Slovenia enforces a Decree on Light Pollution that mandates compliance for all lighting system projects.
The regulation is designed to protect the environment, public health, astronomy, and reduce energy waste.