Marine pollution and its control

Abstract

Marine pollution control is a very complex problem. The solution to this has to be on the basis of global, regional and national levels. The impact of marine pollution in Malaysia is most felt in the estuarine and inshore coastal areas of the Straits of Malacca due to its being one of the busiest seaways in the world and because of the implementation of development programmes in the country. The current state of marine pollution in Malaysia and the various regulatory measures adopted are described. Malaysia is both a victim and a causer of pollution. As a victim of pollution, Malaysia's concern relates in particular to the likelihood of oil tanker accidents. The National Contingency Plan for the Control and Mitigation of Oil Spills in the Straits of Malacca developed by the Division of Environment is explained. The control of oil discharges and operational discharges from shipping and dumping of wastes will be covered by separate regulations.