SHAH ALAM, Mar 19 — The Port Klang Electronic Waste Task Force has cleared an inspection backlog of 800 containers and is now targeting another 1,000 containers suspected of carrying electronic waste (e-waste), in an ongoing crackdown at the country’s busiest port.
Port Klang Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) commander Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal said 148 of the inspected containers were found to be transporting illegal waste, following Malaysia’s ban on e-waste imports which took effect on February 4.
New Straits Times reported him as saying that the next phase of enforcement would be carried out concurrently with efforts to repatriate the flagged containers.
“The containers were identified through risk profiling and intelligence gathered.
“The containers have been blocked by the Customs Department, and inspections will be conducted in phases,” he told the English daily.
Nik Ezanee added that the phased approach was necessary to ensure port operations continue without major disruption.
He said containers confirmed to contain e-waste will undergo a repatriation process, where forwarding agents are required to arrange for the shipments to be returned to their ports of origin within a stipulated timeframe.
He added the task force’s latest move reflects a continued and expanded enforcement effort against illegal e-waste imports, amid firm government warnings that Malaysia will not serve as a dumping ground for hazardous materials.
Nik Ezanee said authorities are also stepping up early detection measures through enhanced inspections and intelligence gathering.
Risk profiling remains a main component of enforcement strategies moving forward.
