Transparency Principle in Environmental Governance: A Case Study of Malaysia's Regulatory Framework

The rapid trajectory of contemporary development frequently overlooks environmental considerations, which may culminate in ecological degradation stemming from insufficient environmental management and governance. The concept of sustainable development has emerged as a response to the imperative for effective environmental governance. Stakeholders have implemented environmental governance aligned with sustainability principles, complying with established regulations and initiatives aimed at realizing sustainable development. Transparency stands as a fundamental principle of robust environmental governance. Consequently, this research aims to clarify the impact of transparency on environmental governance within Malaysian context. Employing a qualitative methodology, this study examines legal frameworks, including Environmental Quality Act 1974, as well as in-depth interviews with a key person who actively engaged in Malaysia's environmental governance. The findings reveal that Malaysia's commitment to transparency in environmental policymaking, reporting, enforcement, and information accessibility is pivotal to its environmental management strategies. These findings resonate with Malaysia's overarching objectives of fostering ecological modernization and advancing sustainable development.