[UPDATED] MCBA uncovers another 158.1 tonnes of illegal e-waste, copper at Port Klang

PORT KLANG: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) has intercepted another 158.1 tonnes of illegal e-waste and copper cargo, dealing a fresh blow to syndicates attempting to smuggle scheduled waste into the country.

MCBA director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the multi-agency operation at Westport, led by Port Klang commander Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal, saw nine containers physically inspected at the container examination site on Friday.

Six containers were found to be carrying items prohibited under the Environmental Quality Act.

“Among the seized cargo were containers loaded with circuit boards, industrial fuses and mixed copper materials classified as scheduled waste, weighing a combined 158.1 tonnes.

One of the containers carried copper wire cables weighing more than 30 tonnes.

“We will persist with intensified inspections on containers suspected of carrying prohibited waste.”

Shuhaily said the containers carrying the e-waste have been placed in a secure holding area pending directives from the Selangor Department of Environment and headquarters for re-export.

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The coordinated crackdown involved personnel from the police, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Customs Department, Westport management, the Port Authority, the Department of Environment and SIRIM.

Earlier this week, MCBA blocked more than 125 tonnes of illegal electronic waste and toxic materials from entering the country following a joint enforcement operation at Port Klang.

The operation uncovered falsely declared containers shipped from the United States, South Korea, Spain and Taiwan.

Authorities described the discovery as indicative of a growing global smuggling threat.

Port Klang is one of the region’s busiest maritime hubs, processing about 15 million containers annually, or more than 41,000 a day.

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© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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