Mandatory Health Impact Assessment in Malaysian Land Planning and Development Control System

The close link between land development activities to human health is undeniable. Indiscriminate land development activities and poorly planned built environment can lead to environmental degradation and subsequently adve rse impact on public health. Polluted physical spaces can expose people to toxins or pollutants causing asthma and respiratory problems whilst improperly planned development without open space for recreation can influence lifestyles that contribute to diabetes, hypertension, coronary vascular disease for lack of physical movement. Public health advocates can help shape the design of cities and suburbs in ways that improve public health, but to do so effectively they need to contribute to the development planning and control process. This paper reviews the connection between public health and built environment with the aim of proposing health impact assessment procedure to be made a mandatory requirement for preparation of development plans and application for planning permission. The research relies on literature review, analysis of relevant statutes and governmental policy documents providing for policy directions for formulating the legal regulatory framework.