SAHABAT Alam Malaysia (SAM) and the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) welcomed the announcement by MACC that Malaysia has imposed an immediate and absolute ban on the importation of electronic waste (e-waste) effective 4 February 2026.
It was earlier reported that the second meeting of the Special Task Force on the Enforcement Management Roadmap for Plastic and E-Waste Imports also discussed a proposed three-month moratorium on the importation of plastic waste.
“These measures are necessary to protect our environment and public health, besides reminding the world that Malaysia is not a dumping ground.
“Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that firm and coordinated enforcement by all relevant agencies are essential to ensure the ban's effectiveness.
“We agree with him as waste trafficking poses serious risks to our country and waste smugglers have no qualms about violating the law, bribing officials or looking into possible loopholes,”.
The statement was jointly issued by Consumers’ Association of Penang president, Mohideen Abdul Kader and Sahabat Alam Malaysia president, Meenakshi Raman
They stressed that vigilance and stringent enforcement are key to curb smuggling.
They said that at the ports of entry in Malaysia, illegal waste shipments may slip under the radar possibly because the shipments are declared as permissible goods, second-hand goods, used electronic goods or mixed metal scrap.
“There is also the element of organised crime and corruption in facilitating waste trafficking.
“Electronic and electrical components contain heavy metals and many toxic substances.
“Hence, e-waste dumping and illegal recycling activities are hazardous to the environment and threaten the health of workers and neighbouring communities as they release toxic pollutants that contaminate the air, soil, dust, and water,” they said.
Mohideen and Meenakshi said the nation also have to deal with the consequences of microplastics generated during the recycling process that ultimately infiltrate water bodies.
Open burning and heating of e-waste are very hazardous due to the release of toxic fumes.
“We have encountered shredded e-waste dumped haphazardly and when these ignite, the fires spread toxic fumes.
“Communities exposed to the pollution face increasing risks of respiratory illness, and even long-term cancer risks.
“Chronic illnesses linked to e-waste exposure require long-term medical care which increases public healthcare spending and reduces productivity.
“Strong enforcement is as important as strong laws,”.
Malaysia needs to ensure enforcement with robust customs procedures, border controls, implement rigorous inspection, increase random and targeted inspections of shipments, crack down on corruption, impose effective penalties for violations and ensure swift and transparent prosecution of offenders.
The penalties for waste smuggling must match the environmental harm and public health impacts.
Local authorities should also be vigilant and take action against illegal factories and illegal dumping in their area. Some of these illegal activities are reported by neighbouring communities.
“Local authorities and enforcement agencies should act on these tip-offs and also be proactive in patrolling to unveil illegal operations,” they added. – February 5, 2026
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