KLANG: Authorities have identified 106 containers with hazardous electronic waste (ewaste) at the nation’s ports over the past three months, with nearly 200 more containers suspected to hold similar cargo.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced that from March 21 to June 19, the Customs Department seized a staggering 301 containers believed to contain illegal ewaste.
Of these, he said 106 containers were found “filled to the brim” with ewaste and scrap metal – primarily from developed countries such as the United States.
According to the World Health Organisation, ewaste contains chemicals, including lead and mercury, which are harmful to human and ecological health.
“Many officials in these countries wrongly believe their ewaste is being ethically processed through eco-friendly means, not realising their waste is being shipped to developing nations for processing.
“These containers are then falsely declared under different categories,” he said during a visit to Westport yesterday.
Multiple ministries launched a joint operation in response, leading to arrests and inspections, according to Nik Nazmi.
“Cases involving ewaste are being investigated under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127), with those caught illegally dumping scheduled waste in our lands or waters facing up to RM500,000 in fines, five years in jail, or both.
“The recently passed Environmental Quality (Amendment) Bill 2023, effective July 7, will hike penalties to a minimum of RM5,000 and a maximum of RM10mil, with a mandatory jail term of up to five years,” said the minister.
He stated that the Customs Department was investigating the 195 remaining containers under Section 135 (1a) of the Customs Act 1967 for importing prohibited items, suspecting them of containing scrap metal and possibly ewaste.
Nik Nazmi acknowledged concerns over current enforcement measures and plans to raise the issue with the Cabinet.
He also said the authorities needed to find ways to improve enforcement.
“The ministry understands the need for a unified joint effort from both the federal and state levels to overcome this problem.
“In the meantime, the ministry will continue to strengthen monitoring and enforcement against the importation of ewaste used by the recycling industry,” he said, pledging stern action against violators to prevent Malaysia from becoming a hazardous waste dumping ground.
It was reported on May 3 that the Selangor Environment Department had intercepted 18 containers filled with ewaste at Westport, along with 11 other containers with plastic waste and other scrap materials.
