Contaminants and the soil environment in Malaysia

Malaysia is at present undergoing rapid development and tremendous changes especially in its economic structure. Previously, agriculture has been the main thrust of the Malaysian economy, but in recent years the industrial sector has continuously achieved high growth rates and is now the dominant force. This has resulted in an increase in urban population and the creation of new urban centres. The rapid industrialisation process in Malaysia coupled with global concern about environmental issues has fuelled environmental awareness in the country. In recent years reports on the deterioration of environment quality, especially in urban areas, have increased. Environmental issues are now of important political and social considerations.