Alternative assessment of industrial effluent compliance: A case study of stakeholders’ perspectives in Malaysia

Safe and healthy waterways are essential for environmental sustainability, making the assessment of industrial effluent discharge compliance critical. This study investigates stakeholder perspectives on alternative rating assessments for measuring industry discharge compliance, addressing the current fragmentation in stakeholder involvement in Malaysia. A survey was conducted with 519 representatives from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, industries, environmental groups, and policymakers, analyzing six compliance rating assessments: planning and administration in legal compliance, industry and community empowerment, compliance operation, system implementation, environmental risk and emergency plan, and environmental audits. The findings reveal that 78% of participants support implementing new assessments, with system implementation, legal compliance, and compliance operation being the most accepted. Financial and tax incentives were identified as highly effective in encouraging industry participation in these assessments. Challenges such as financial constraints, compliance issues, manpower shortages, and a lack of awareness were also noted. This study not only provides insights into stakeholder perspectives but also highlights a promising path for future compliance management in Malaysia and beyond. • Stakeholders broadly support new assessments for industrial effluent compliance. • Financial and tax incentives boost industry compliance and environmental efforts. • Planning, operations, and system implementation are key to effluent monitoring. • Study findings inform global policies for enhanced environmental compliance. • Research provides strategies aligning industry practices with sustainability goals.