THE government is ramping up its enforcement of laws to address the growing issue of electronic waste (e-waste) being imported from developed countries.
The move follows increasing challenges in controlling the influx of such waste materials, which have been causing significant environmental concerns.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad acknowledged that enforcement shortcomings have contributed to the problem but emphasised that it is part of a broader issue involving multiple agencies, including the Department of Environment (DOE), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
"We cannot deny that this is an issue, and we are seriously looking into it," said Nik Nazmi. "Previously, we amended the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127), which saw penalties increased to up to RM10 million, along with mandatory prison sentences."
Bernama reported Nik Nazmi saying that while enforcement had improved, there was still room for legal enhancements. He revealed that the government is considering further amendments to the Act in its second phase.
"We recognise that there are areas where improvements can be made in terms of legislation, and that is why we are currently reviewing the second phase of amendments to this Act," he added during a press briefing following the launch of the Enforcement of Act A1667 / National Forestry Rules (Federal Territories) (Amendment) 2025 and the iPayment System at the Eco Park in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
Addressing the international aspect of the issue, Nik Nazmi noted that Malaysia had signed the Basel Convention on the transboundary movement of e-waste and has been working closely with organizations like the Basel Action Network to combat illegal dumping of uncontrolled waste.
However, he highlighted that the United States, a major source of e-waste, has not signed the convention, which complicates enforcement.
"The United States has not signed the Basel Convention, and that is one of our major challenges because e-waste exported from there is not considered illegal," he explained.
"Additionally, after China tightened its regulations on importing e-waste, a significant amount of waste has been redirected to countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines."
Previous media reports have revealed that Malaysia remains a significant destination for e-waste from developed nations, including the United States, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
In a related development, Nik Nazmi shared that his ministry, through the Federal Territory Forestry Department, is working on expanding the Permanent Forest Reserve (HSK).
He announced that an area of 20.05 hectares at Bukit Dinding in Ulu Kelang would be gazetted as part of the expansion.
"Currently, the total area of HSK in the Federal Territories is 152.97 hectares, comprising 84.689 hectares in Kuala Lumpur and 68.281 hectares in Labuan," he said.
"This gazettement will help preserve and protect the area as a green space and ensure it functions as a 'green lung' for the surrounding environment."
Additionally, Nik Nazmi highlighted the introduction of the iPayment system at the Eco Park in Kuala Lumpur, which aims to enhance financial governance, prevent revenue leakage, and promote a cashless payment culture among the public.
Earlier, New Straits Times reported 18 individuals, including company owners and directors, were arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on Monday on suspicion of bribing civil servants in exchange for help in securing approval for the entry of foreign nationals.
It is understood that these foreign nationals were intended to be shareholders in e-waste factories in Selangor and Johor.
Sources revealed that the suspects, comprising 13 men and five women aged between 30 and 60, were detained during raids conducted at 12 premises around Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor, and Segamat, Johor.
The raids, which took place from 7am to 10pm, were part of a joint operation by MACC, the Immigration Department and the Department of Environment.
"Preliminary investigations found that the premises were suspected of processing and disposing of unauthorised raw materials such as fibreglass, plastic, iron, and metals," the source said.
One of the suspects is believed to have paid a bribe to a civil servant in exchange for not taking action against his factory, the source added.
The suspects were remanded for six days until March 2 to assist in further investigations.
The remand order was issued by magistrate Sharda Shienha Mohd Suleiman after an application was made by MACC at the Ayer Keroh magistrates court in Melaka earlier today.
Meanwhile, MACC senior director of investigations, Datuk Zainul Darus, confirmed the arrests.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 16(b)(A) of the MACC Act 2009. – February 26, 2025
e-waste, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, US, China, Environmental Quality Act 1974
