Malaysia must strengthen inter-agency cooperation to combat illegal e-waste processing factories, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad; reports the Star.
In a statement on Tuesday, he reaffirmed the Malaysian government's commitment to preventing Malaysia from becoming a transit hub or dumping ground for e-waste from developed nations. The ministry, in collaboration with the Department of Environment (DOE), is enhancing enforcement efforts to tackle illegal e-waste activities.
“This initiative aligns with the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, which mandates prior approval for any cross-border movement of scheduled waste, including e-waste,” Nik Nazmi stated. “Non-compliance is classified as an illegal shipment under Article 9, requiring the exporting country to take back the waste within 30 days.”
He warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators. Under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, offenders face penalties of up to RM10 million in fines and five years’ imprisonment for unauthorized waste disposal.
Following media reports of an illegal e-waste factory processing ammunition casings, authorities have sealed the factory’s production equipment and initiated legal action. The facility was found in violation of multiple regulations, including operating without a license, failing to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and unauthorized disposal of scheduled waste.
Nik Nazmi reported that as of December 31, 2024, enforcement actions have been taken against 44 illegal e-waste factories, with eight shut down and the remaining 36 under legal proceedings. He commended the police, Customs, General Operations Force, and Air Operations Force for their role in preventing the illegal cross-border movement of e-waste.
On Saturday, February 15, a police raid in Kuala Langat, Selangor, uncovered a "bullet recycling plant" operating illegally. Authorities found bullet casings, spent rounds, and live ammunition, believed to have originated from outside Malaysia.
Nik Nazmi reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal e-waste processing and ensuring environmental laws are strictly enforced to protect public health and ecological sustainability.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
