Symbolising "Man in a clean environment", the logo sums up the tasks of the newly formed ministry set up in September 1972. It took over from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of National Development the portfolios that dealt with environmental health and pollution control.

The design's white background represented the cleanliness of the environment, while the Y-shape and circle symbolised man. The logo was a winning design from Baharuddin Vocational Institute student Lim Peng Huat who won $200 for his effort. The other students who participated received $20 each.

The logo was replaced in 1990.