The government is considering a national committee to strengthen enforcement against illegal electronic waste imports and disposal.

PUTRAJAYA: The government is studying the establishment of a National Committee to Address Illegal E-Waste to strengthen a coordinated national approach.

The proposal was discussed at a special enforcement task force meeting chaired by Deputy Minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability said the meeting emphasised stronger action on environmental issues, including illegal e-waste entry.

Key challenges highlighted included the accumulation of e-waste containers at ports and difficulties in identifying owners and illegal factories.

Other issues were constraints in managing seized items and challenges in disposal and legal action.

Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup previously said the proposed committee aims for a comprehensive, whole-of-nation approach.

The meeting also reviewed enforcement operations like Ops Bongkar Kontena and Ops Hazard to curb scheduled waste entry.

Several strategic measures were identified to improve the situation.

These include establishing a Department of Environment branch at Port Klang and amending the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023.

Other measures involve strengthening the management of seized goods and improving enforcement logistics.

The Special Task Force will meet monthly or as needed to ensure coordinated and effective enforcement.

The meeting involved key agencies including the Department of Environment and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.

Also involved were the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia and the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia.

The Department of the Director General of Lands and Mines also participated in the discussions.

NRES said the government remains committed to strengthening enforcement against all environmental offences.

 The Sun Malaysia