The federal government is intensifying its crackdown on e-waste smuggling through enhanced federal-state cooperation and data collection on licensed premises.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is strengthening enforcement to curb electronic waste smuggling at the country’s main entry points. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said this requires a whole-of-nation approach emphasising close cooperation with state governments.
Integrated cooperation is crucial as enforcement involves ports and local authorities, which fall under state jurisdiction. “Through a whole-of-nation approach, cooperation between the federal and state governments is essential to ensure enforcement measures can be carried out smoothly and effectively,” he said after chairing a federal-state liaison meeting.
He revealed that data collection from local authorities on licensed premises nationwide has begun to facilitate enforcement. “I started with Selangor. Instructions were issued to compile a profile of scrap metal premises in Selangor so that we can analyse the data,” Shamsul Azri said.
The Cabinet has also instructed a review of the Second-Hand Dealers Act 1946 to streamline legal provisions and close enforcement loopholes. Between January 27 and 30, authorities inspected 61 containers at Port Klang, finding several containing prohibited items.
Nearly 200 tonnes of the seized material comprised e-waste and related waste. More than 80 tonnes involved high-value copper materials.
The total estimated value of the seizure is between RM2.2 million and RM3.2 million. This figure excludes losses from duty evasion, disposal costs, and potential money laundering risks.
Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the agency aligns its actions with the government’s strategic direction. “All information obtained from border monitoring will be shared with local authorities to enable broader and more coordinated enforcement action,” he said.
