Title: Development of public participation framework for environmental impact assessment

Authors: Maisarah Makmor; Hafez Salleh; Nikmatul Adha Nordin

Addresses: Faculty of Built Environment, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ' Faculty of Built Environment, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ' Faculty of Built Environment, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract: Public participation is essential in an environmental impact assessment (EIA) that protects and manages the environment. Current studies have shown that the application of effective public participation remains scant, especially in Malaysia. This paper aims to develop a framework for public participation in the EIA process using partial least squares (PLS). A comparative study was conducted on public participation in EIA administered in New Zealand, Canada, Hong Kong and Malaysia. Quantitative data were collected via questionnaire surveys. Analyses were administered using PLS-SEM. Three constructs form the framework: the inadequacies of the requirements for, and legislation on, public participation in EIA; barriers to public participation in EIA; and recommendations to further improve public participation in EIA. The development of the framework is expected to improve the current application of public participation in the EIA process. The framework provided in this research contributes to the further improvement of public participation in EIA.

Keywords: public participation; environmental impact assessment; EIA; Malaysian EIA process; partial least square; PLS; PLS-SEM; exploratory factor analysis; EFA; quantitative method; effective EIA; Malaysia; measurement model; structural model.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2021.120435

International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, 2021 Vol.20 No.1, pp.60 - 79

Accepted: 11 Oct 2021
Published online: 19 Jan 2022 *

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