Nik Nazmi urges better cooperation between agencies to tackle illegal e-waste and environmental harm.
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| Malaysia steps up efforts to combat illegal e-waste factories with stronger enforcement and cooperation. Image Courtesy: The Star |
Malaysia's Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, emphasized the need for stronger inter-agency cooperation to combat illegal e-waste processing factories. In a statement on Tuesday, he reaffirmed the government's commitment to preventing the country from becoming a dumping ground for e-waste from developed nations. The ministry is working closely with the Department of Environment (DOE) to enhance enforcement measures.
Nik Nazmi highlighted the importance of adhering to the Basel Convention, which regulates cross-border movement of hazardous waste, including e-waste. He warned that non-compliance could result in illegal shipments and legal repercussions, with violators facing penalties of up to RM10 million in fines and imprisonment under Malaysia's Environmental Quality Act 1974.
The statement followed media reports on an illegal e-waste facility in Kuala Langat, Selangor, which was processing ammunition casings. Authorities have sealed the factory and initiated legal proceedings, as it violated several regulations, including operating without a license and failing to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
As of December 31, 2024, enforcement actions were taken against 44 illegal e-waste factories, resulting in the closure of eight, with legal proceedings underway for the remaining facilities. Nik Nazmi acknowledged the support of various enforcement agencies, including the police, Customs, and military, in preventing illegal e-waste activities.
The minister reiterated the government's resolve to eradicate illegal e-waste processing and ensure that environmental laws are strictly enforced to safeguard public health and ecological sustainability.