BUTTERWORTH – The Penang Environment Department (DoE) today ordered a container from the US loaded with electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) to be sent back.
State DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the directive was issued after finding that the waste was brought in for illegal disposal here.
She added that the container was detected during an inspection carried out by state DoE officers with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department at the North Butterworth Terminal Container yesterday.
She said, among the waste materials found in the container were damaged electronic screens, disassembled dashboards and other electronic components.
“We have given a notice of instruction under Sections 31 and 37, Environmental Quality Act 1974 to the importer for the return of the container to the country of origin.
“Failure of importers to comply with the directive could result in strict action being taken without further notice,” she said in a statement today.
Sharifah Zakiah added that any party who imports scheduled waste including e-waste (SW110) into Malaysia without the prior permission of the environment director-general is committing an offense under Section 34B Environmental Quality Act 1974.
If convicted, she said, they could be sentenced to a fine not exceeding RM500,000 and imprisonment not exceeding five years.
“Electrical and electronic waste is prohibited from being imported except in the manner provided as stated in Part I, Third Schedule, Customs (Prohibition on Import) Order 2017.
“This waste must be disposed of according to the correct method because the waste contains hazardous substances such as heavy metals that can pollute the environment if not managed safely.”
Under the Basel Convention, prior approval from the recipient country and the transit country is required for the importation of any scheduled waste, including e-waste. – The Vibes, July 13, 2021
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