NRES minister Arthur Kurup proposes a national committee and a customs ban to combat illegal e-waste imports, with hundreds of containers under investigation.

PORT KLANG: The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry is proposing the establishment of a National Committee to comprehensively tackle the illegal entry of electronic waste.

Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the committee would ensure the issue is resolved through a whole-of-nation approach.

He also revealed he has signed an order to transfer e-waste to the First Schedule of the Customs Order 2023.

This move will empower the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to enforce an absolute ban on e-waste imports.

“This will provide the Customs Department with the authority to block the entry or allow e-waste containers from being unloaded from ships if they arrive at our country’s ports,” he said.

He made the remarks after visiting Port Klang to review the status of seized e-waste containers.

The visit followed a special task force report urging improvements in environmental law enforcement.

Arthur reiterated that the Department of Environment has not issued any approval for e-waste imports.

He stated that Malaysia does not permit any importation of scheduled waste, in line with the Basel Convention.

Regarding the inspection status, Arthur said 605 of 818 containers at the port have been inspected by the DOE so far.

From that total, 503 containers are being investigated by the Anti-Money Laundering Criminal Investigation Team.

A remaining 213 containers have yet to be checked.

“Following my visit, I have instructed the DOE together with related agencies to conduct a special joint operation against e-waste to settle the containers that have yet to be inspected,” he said.

This operation aims to allow the ministry to accurately identify the number of containers involved in smuggling.

He warned that stern action will be taken against any party found to be involved.

This includes shipping companies and agents who fail to follow set importation procedures.

 The Sun Malaysia