KUALA LUMPUR — The Department of Environment (DOE) has detected 38 containers containing scheduled waste, including 21 containers of electronic waste (e-waste), during an enforcement operation carried out at Port Klang to combat attempts to illegally bring hazardous waste into Malaysia.
A Department of Energy (DOE) spokesperson stated in a press release that the discovery was made during inspections on the third day of Ops Bongkar. With 52 containers inspected today, the total number of containers examined over the three-day operation has reached 151.
“Following the discovery, the DOE will initiate the process of returning all containers containing e-waste to their country of origin in accordance with procedures under the Basel Convention. A repatriation notification will be submitted to the country of origin, while a Directive Notice will also be issued to the parties responsible for bringing in the containers.
“If the parties involved fail to arrange the return of the containers, strict action may be taken under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, which provides for a maximum fine of up to RM10 million or imprisonment of up to five years, or both, upon conviction.
“The repatriation process is expected to take up to six months or more, depending on the agreement of the parties involved, including the governments of the countries of origin,” the spokesperson added.
The integrated operation involved officers from DOE Headquarters, DOE Selangor, DOE Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, and DOE Negeri Sembilan, in collaboration with several strategic agencies: the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), the Port Klang Authority (LPK), and SIRIM.
As the lead enforcement agency under the Environmental Quality Act 1974, the DOE coordinates the entire operation, including physical inspections, verification of import documentation, and technical assessments to identify scheduled waste.
The action is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure Malaysia does not become a destination for illegal waste disposal, which can have serious impacts on the environment and public health. The government emphasizes that Malaysia will not become the world’s dumping ground, and any attempt to violate laws related to the importation of scheduled waste will face firm action without compromise.
