Malaysian valley landscape

Three focused areas of environmental and ESG legal work

Each practice area is structured around the specific regulatory frameworks that apply, with clear processes and transparent fee ranges.

How we structure an engagement

Each engagement at Cahaya Legal begins with a clear scope discussion. We identify the applicable regulatory framework, define what the engagement covers, and set out a fee arrangement before work commences.

We do not operate on open-ended retainers. Each matter has a defined scope, milestone structure, and documented output. Where scope changes arise — as they sometimes do in enforcement matters — we notify you before proceeding.

01

Initial advisory briefing

Review of your matter and applicable regulatory framework.

02

Engagement scoping

Written engagement letter with defined scope and fee structure.

03

Checkpoint briefings

Written advice at each agreed milestone, in plain language.

04

Matter completion

Documented outcome and any follow-on recommendations.

Environmental Compliance Advisory & Permit Support

Considered advisory for project developers, manufacturers, and facility operators on Malaysian environmental permit and compliance obligations. We map your obligations under the Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (EIA) Order 2015, advise on effluent and emissions standards, and support permit applications with Jabatan Alam Sekitar (JAS).

What this engagement typically covers:

Identification of prescribed activities and applicable EIA type (Preliminary or Detailed)
Obligation mapping under EQ Regulations for effluent, emissions, and noise
Scheduled waste obligations under the Scheduled Wastes Regulations 2005
Coordination with environmental consultants on EIA report inputs
Permit application preparation and JAS liaison
Written briefings at each checkpoint

Typical process steps:

01

Regulatory mapping and obligation identification

02

Scope definition and terms of reference review

03

Consultant coordination and report input review

04

Permit application preparation and submission support

05

JAS query response and approval follow-through

From RM 780 Discuss This Service
Environmental compliance review
  • · Environmental Quality Act 1974
  • · EQ (Prescribed Activities) (EIA) Order 2015
  • · EQ (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005
  • · EQ (Clean Air) Regulations 2014
  • · EQ (Industrial Effluent) Regulations 2009
  • · Town and Country Planning Act 1976
ESG governance and reporting
  • · Bursa Malaysia Main Market Listing Requirements
  • · Bursa Sustainability Reporting Guide (3rd Ed.)
  • · National Sustainability Reporting Framework (NSRF)
  • · TCFD Recommendations
  • · ISSB IFRS S1 / S2 (phased adoption)

ESG Policy, Reporting & Sustainability Governance

Structured support for listed and non-listed companies preparing ESG policies, sustainability reports, and board-level governance documentation. Our work covers the full span from materiality assessment to final policy drafts that the business can actually implement.

What this engagement typically covers:

Board-level sustainability governance documentation
Materiality assessment support and facilitation
Drafting of human rights, climate, responsible sourcing, and anti-modern-slavery policies
Gap analysis against Bursa Sustainability Reporting Guide expectations
TCFD-aligned climate disclosure support
NSRF applicability review and readiness assessment

Typical process steps:

01

Current disclosure review and gap identification

02

Materiality facilitation and stakeholder mapping

03

Governance documentation and policy drafting

04

Board review, approval support, and final documentation

From RM 2,600 Discuss This Service

Environmental Dispute & Enforcement Representation

Representation in environmental enforcement matters and civil proceedings. We act on JAS compounds and notices of intended action, Environmental Quality Act prosecutions, judicial review applications relating to EIA approvals, and civil proceedings involving nuisance, contamination, or reinstatement claims.

What this engagement typically covers:

Factual matrix development and document review
Coordination with environmental consultants and expert witnesses
Drafting of representations to JAS and regulatory responses
Pleadings preparation for civil and criminal environmental proceedings
Judicial review applications (EIA approval decisions)
Hearing advocacy and settlement negotiation

Typical process steps:

01

Matter review and regulatory position assessment

02

Expert and consultant engagement

03

Representations, pleadings, or judicial review filing

04

Hearing preparation and advocacy

05

Post-resolution compliance or reinstatement support

From RM 3,700 Discuss This Service
Environmental dispute representation
  • · Environmental Quality Act 1974 (criminal enforcement)
  • · Rules of Court 2012 (civil proceedings)
  • · Rules of Court 2012 (judicial review)
  • · National Land Code (contamination / reinstatement)
  • · National Forestry Act 1984

Which service fits your situation

Feature Compliance Advisory ESG Governance Dispute Representation
EIA process support
Permit application support
ESG policy drafting
Bursa reporting gap analysis
JAS enforcement response
Hearing advocacy
Expert witness coordination
Written briefings included
Starting fee RM 780 RM 2,600 RM 3,700

Fees shown are starting ranges. Final fees depend on matter scope, complexity, and agreed engagement terms.

What every Cahaya Legal engagement includes

Written Engagement Letter

Scope, fee, and timeline set out in writing before work commences.

Professional Privilege

All advice and correspondence protected by legal professional privilege.

Documented Advice

Written briefings at each milestone, not just a verbal summary call.

Consultant Coordination

Legal and technical inputs aligned from the outset, not added at the end.

Bar Council Compliance

All practitioners members in good standing of the Malaysian Bar.

Plain Language Advice

Guidance written for decision-makers, not for lawyers alone.

Not sure which service applies to your situation?

An initial advisory briefing is the right starting point. We will help you understand your obligations and identify the most appropriate form of engagement.

Request a Briefing