PUTRAJAYA, Jan 21 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will intensify investigations into the illegal importation of electronic waste (e-waste) following intelligence that between 2,000 and 3,000 containers of e-waste have been smuggled into the country through the country's main ports.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said the number reflected the true scale of electronic waste smuggling, which is increasingly worrying and requires more comprehensive enforcement action.
"If not combated comprehensively, it has the potential to cause serious pollution to the country," he said in a statement today.
The companies involved are believed to be owned by foreigners and to have been importing electronic waste, plastic, and paper for processing and recycling.
"Valuable components such as copper, alloys, and gold were taken, while the remaining waste was disposed of by burning, burying, or directly dumping, polluting the air and water resources," Khusairi said.
To address the pressing issue, the E-Waste Enforcement Special Task Force Meeting was established with members from 12 agencies, including the MACC, the Waste Acceptance Control Agency, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Environment Department, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and the International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI).
He said the special task force will assess existing laws and tighten operations to close smuggling channels at all entry points into the country.
"This meeting will examine specific laws related to e-waste and implement more effective enforcement actions to ensure that smuggling activities can be eradicated at the grassroots," Khusairi said.
The MACC is taking the issue seriously and has warned the authorities involved to immediately stop the importation of e-waste.
