Malaysia Plans National Taskforce and Full Import Ban to Block Illegal E-Waste Shipments
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 — Malaysia is moving forward with plans to establish a national-level taskforce and impose a comprehensive ban on electronic waste imports as part of stronger efforts to prevent illegal dumping of hazardous materials.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the proposed national committee would coordinate enforcement actions and strengthen cooperation among government agencies to tackle the issue more effectively.
New classification to give customs stronger enforcement powers
He said the ministry has initiated legal measures to tighten import controls by proposing amendments to the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023.
The proposed changes would place e-waste under a stricter category, enabling customs authorities to block shipments entirely.
“This will empower customs officers to prevent containers suspected of carrying e-waste from being unloaded at Malaysian ports,” he said following an inspection visit to Port Klang.
The move is intended to close enforcement gaps and ensure illegal waste shipments are stopped before entering the country.
Malaysia maintains strict ban under international agreement
Arthur reiterated that Malaysia does not allow the import of scheduled waste, including e-waste, in line with the Basel Convention on hazardous waste management.
He stressed that the Department of Environment has never approved any applications for e-waste imports.
This policy reflects Malaysia’s commitment to protecting public health and preserving environmental safety.
Hundreds of containers under scrutiny at Port Klang
Authorities are currently conducting extensive inspections at Port Klang after identifying hundreds of containers suspected of containing hazardous materials.
Out of 818 containers, 605 have already been inspected, with 503 currently under investigation for possible financial and environmental offences.
Another 213 containers have yet to undergo inspection.
Officials believe these inspections are crucial to determining the scale of illegal waste trafficking.
Special enforcement operation launched
Arthur said the Department of Environment and other enforcement agencies have been instructed to carry out a coordinated special operation to address the issue.
The operation aims to identify illegal shipments and ensure enforcement action is taken swiftly.
He warned that strict penalties would be imposed on any parties found to be involved, including shipping companies and agents.
Government determined to stop illegal waste dumping
The proposed national committee and full import ban demonstrate Malaysia’s firm stance against illegal waste imports.
The measures are expected to strengthen enforcement and prevent the country from being used as a dumping ground.
These efforts are crucial in safeguarding Malaysia’s environment and ensuring long-term sustainability for future generations.
-wilayah.com.my
