A total of 779 containers containing electronic waste (e-waste) were seized up to May this year since 2023, with 583 of them inspected by the Department of Environment (DoE).
Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who has taken over the responsibilities of the natural resources and environmental sustainability minister, said 119 notices had been issued to importing companies to return the containers, in line with the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
This, he said, led to 294 containers being sent back to their countries of origin.
“This is in line with the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, which requires prior written consent from the DoE for all cross-border movements of scheduled waste, whether for import, export, transit or transshipment.” Johari said in a written parliamentary reply.
“Integrated operations of this nature will continue to be carried out to curb offences involving the illegal processing of imported e-waste.”
He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali (BN-Pekan) on measures to curb the illegal disposal of e-waste by unlicensed premises.
Johari (BN-Titiwangsa) said the ministry remained committed to tackling crimes involving the illegal processing of smuggled e-waste.
“The government is also stepping up efforts to combat illegal e-waste processing plants through integrated operations, such as Op Hazard 1.0 and 2.0, conducted nationwide in February and June this year.”
A total of 122 premises had been raided under the two operations. Op Hazard 1.0 targeted 53 premises and seized 9,356 tonnes of e-waste, while Op Hazard 2.0 targeted 69 premises, with 2,069 tonnes of e-waste seized.
Johari said control mechanisms at border entry points were being strengthened, with enforcement enhanced in collaboration with agencies including the Customs Department, the DoE and port authorities.
“This includes closer cooperation with international organisations such as the Basel Convention Secretariat, the Asian Network and Interpol to share information on ships suspected of carrying e-waste bound for Malaysian ports.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
