Aligning Social Impact Assessment with MADANI Principles for Inclusive Development in Malaysia

Mazlan Che Soh; Haslinda Abdullah; Azami Zaharim; Ahmad Faizal Ramli

doi:10.21834/e-bpj.v10iSI38.7653

Authors

Mazlan Che Soh Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Seremban, Malaysia
Haslinda Abdullah Instiute for Social Science Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
Azami Zaharim Perunding Tamadun Teras Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Ahmad Faizal Ramli Perunding Tamadun Teras Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10iSI38.7653

Keywords:

Social Impact Assessment, Malaysia MADANI, policy analysis, governance

Abstract

This paper examines the alignment of Malaysia’s Social Impact Assessment (SIA) governance with Malaysia MADANI values in advancing inclusive development. Using qualitative document-based policy analysis, it analyses PLANMalaysia’s SIA guidance (PPSIA, 2023), the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172), and official MADANI policy documents. The analysis focuses on participation, safeguards, transparency, and monitoring. The findings identify three recurring governance gaps: participation remains largely consultative, safeguards for vulnerable groups and cultural rights are unevenly operationalised, and post-approval monitoring and accountability mechanisms remain weak. The paper outlines evidence-informed options to strengthen governance coherence and inclusivity consistent with MADANI-oriented development.

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