KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has moved a step closer toward prosecuting two of the country’s top environmental officials, as investigations into corruption linked to e-waste and plastic waste management reach a critical stage.
The Malaysian anti-graft body has completed investigation papers involving the Director-General and Deputy Director-General of the Department of Environment (DOE) and submitted them to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), recommending that charges be filed.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the agency is now awaiting the AGC’s decision on prosecution.
“Regarding the case involving the Director-General and Deputy Director-General of the DOE, the investigation papers have been completed and presented to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) with a recommendation to charge. The Commission is currently awaiting the AGC to proceed with charges against both senior DOE officers in the near future,” he said.
Azam revealed that the investigation paper concerning the Director-General was submitted on Feb 26, while that of the Deputy Director-General followed on Mar 6.
He said that the case is part of a broader crackdown on corruption tied to the management of electronic and plastic waste - a longstanding issue in Malaysia that has raised serious environmental and public health concerns.
At the same time, Azam added that improper disposal and illegal processing activities have led to persistent complaints of air, water, and soil pollution, affecting communities in multiple regions.
“The problem of e-waste and plastic solid waste has long been faced by the public and remains unresolved despite numerous pollution complaints. Ultimately, MACC has taken action by investigating and detaining those entrusted with protecting the environment,” he said.
Azam stressed that corruption within environmental enforcement agencies carries far-reaching consequences, particularly for sustainability and public well-being.
The MACC has been spearheading a Special Task Force on Enforcement Management for the importation of plastic waste and e-waste, chaired by Azam.
The task force was formed following alarming findings, including the discovery of hundreds of containers of e-waste stranded at ports, posing environmental risks.
Among its key policy outcomes is a sweeping ban on e-waste imports, now classified under the Absolute Prohibition category in the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023, which came into force on Feb 4, 2026.
The multi-agency task force includes 12 enforcement bodies, among them the DOE, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, and the Royal Malaysia Police, aimed at tightening controls at national entry points. - March 25, 2026
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