SYNOPSIS

Linear infrastructure such as roads, highways and railways are vital to the socioeconomic development of the country. Transport infrastructure is among the largest sectors of the economy, attracting and generating sizable investments.

However, while serving a critical role and bringing immense value to society, linear transport infrastructure is also associated with numerous adverse impacts and social costs, including environmental pollution (air, noise), land acquisition, community fragmentation, public hazards and greenhouse gas emissions.

Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is a legal requirement under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (ACT 172), particularly for projects defined as “major national infrastructure projects”. Roads, highways and railways are typical linear infrastructure that have the potential to cause or induce undesirable impacts on communities. Experience from recent SIA will be shared, such as challenges in conducting SIA for transport infrastructure in urban areas (e.g. urban highways, mass transit rail), as well as in rural areas (intercity railway). The aim of SIA is to improve the planning of the project, maximise the benefits and minimise the adverse impacts. Socially sensitive project planning and design will lead to better infrastructure, improved quality of life and a more equitable society


BIODATA OF SPEAKER

Mr Lee Hwok Lok is a graduate in environmental science from Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang in 1998. Mr. Lee is currently the Head of Sustainable Transportation at ERE Consulting Group Sdn Bhd, and has more than 21 years of experience in environmental consultancy and social impact assessment for various infrastructure, industrial and property development projects for the government and private sectors. Mr Lee is a Professional Member of the Malaysian Association of Social Impact Assessment (MSIA) as well as an EIA Consultant registered with the Department of Environment Malaysia and the Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak.