Malaysia imposes an absolute ban on electronic waste imports, shifting from a conditional prohibition to strengthen enforcement and environmental protection.

PETALING JAYA: The import of electronic waste (e-waste) is now officially classified under the “Absolute Ban” category in the Customs (Prohibition on Imports) Order 2023, effective today.

The move follows a Special Task Force Meeting on the Enforcement Roadmap for Plastic and E-Waste Management No. 2/2026, part of the government’s ongoing effort to tighten control over hazardous waste and protect the environment.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the task force was formed specifically to tackle e-waste dumping in the country and stressed that strict and coordinated enforcement across all relevant agencies is essential.

“E-Waste is no longer allowed and needs strict enforcement involving all agencies.”

“Therefore, the Department of Environment (DOE) has been directed to submit an application to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to classify e-waste under the ‘Absolute Ban’ category in the Customs Order,” he said.

Previously, e-waste was listed under the “Conditional Prohibition Except as Provided” category, giving the DOE Director-General discretion to allow exemptions under certain conditions, as provided in Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.

The task force also agreed to strengthen coordination and enforcement through a special committee chaired by Commander of the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal.

The committee is required to report its findings to the Special Task Force within a week to ensure systematic and effective management of e-waste.

Discussions were also held on a potential three-month moratorium on plastic waste imports, following directives from the Prime Minister and the Chief Secretary to the Government.

Before a final decision is made, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), National Solid Waste Management Department (JPSPN), and Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) must provide detailed data on the sector’s economic contribution, revenue, and industrial needs for the Prime Minister’s review.

Representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and AKPS were also present at the meeting.

 The Sun Malaysia