An engine intake control apparatus for an engine that comprises at least one combustion chamber operatively connected to an intake port and an intake valve associated with each intake port, wherein the intake valve is adapted to open and close the intake port is disclosed herein. The intake control apparatus comprises a variable valve operating mechanism and a controller. The variable valve operating mechanism is configured and arranged to selectively change a valve closing timing and a valve lift amount of the intake valve. The controller is configured and arranged to control the variable valve operating mechanism when the engine is in a low load condition. The valve closing timing is determined such that an actual compression ratio of the engine is reduced relative to the actual compression ratio when the engine is operating in a high load condition. The valve lift amount is smaller when the engine is in the low load condition relative to the valve lift amount when the engine is in the high load condition. A method for controller an engine is also disclosed.