KLANG, April 5 — The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) will enhance collaboration with the Home Ministry (KDN) to intensify enforcement measures against the illegal processing of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste).
It minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the matter would be brought to Cabinet soon, following the surge in e-waste smuggling into Malaysia, which contributes to environmental pollution.
“Apart from our collaboration with the police, we have also coordinated efforts with the Customs Department and the Department of Environment (DOE), but the current situation necessitates us to strengthen enforcement to regulate and address waste processing activities effectively.
“This is because since China tightened its regulations on the entry of these waste products in 2018, these activities have shifted to our country and neighbouring nations,” he said to the press after inspecting an illegal e-waste processing premises at Jalan Kebun today.
Meanwhile, Nazmi said the inspection was conducted in response to complaints about e-waste processing activities at the premises, which allegedly resulted in odour and air pollution, affecting the area's residents.
DOE’s preliminary investigation conducted on January 5 found that the premises were involved in partially scheduled waste recovery activities for e-waste and used batteries, which included procedures like separation and dissolution.
Apart from solid waste, the premises, which were operating without approval from the DOE and the local authority, were also found to be used as a storage facility for plastic waste and metal scrap.
He added the premises were subject to the Equipment Operation Detention (POK) action under Section 38 (1) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (AKAS 1974), which required the cessation of all scheduled waste recovery activities.
Its owner was also given a Notice of Instruction under Sections 31 and 37 of AKAS 1974 to dispose of the scheduled waste at facilities licensed by the DOE under Section 18(1) of AKAS 1974.
The DOE is in the process of preparing investigation papers to pursue legal action against the premises for operating without a licence.
— Bernama
