Electric and electronics components were among thousand of e-waste collected at Techom Metal in Bukit Minyak. (May 5,2024) —ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: An environment watchdog has called for disciplinary action against Environment Department officers who tried to release e-waste containers in Port Klang.
The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) said it had concluded the misconduct allegations involving DOE officers since receiving wind of it in May 2024.
A task force under Section 17 of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 (Act 700) was formed to investigate claims that DOE officers attempted to release the containers without proper authority or valid justification.
"The investigation revealed that the containers, believed to contain e-waste, remained at Westport, Port Klang.
EAIC said further findings showed DOE senior management failed to plug information leaks that delayed the investigation.
The internal information leaks also detailed transfers of directors or officers, with new officers expected to release the containers, it added.
The EAIC emphasised that this was due to supervisory weaknesses, which could have resulted in losses to the government and worsened environmental pollution.
As a result, EAIC has recommended disciplinary action against the officers involved to the High-Level Management Disciplinary Authority and forwarded its findings to the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
"EAIC also recommended improvements to the DOE’s standard operating procedures and enforcement directives, to be submitted to the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability for further action,” said EAIC. - Bernama
