The Ministry of Natural Resources forms a special task force to improve environmental governance and enforcement, addressing corruption and illegal e-waste imports.
KUALA LUMPUR: A special task force has been established by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability to strengthen environmental governance and law enforcement.
Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup told the Dewan Rakyat the move also aims to improve the Department of Environment’s standard operating procedures.
He said the ministry is aware of the recent arrests of two senior DOE officers by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. “The ministry wishes to emphasise that we uphold integrity, good governance and accountability as priorities,” he said.
Arthur stated that all forms of abuse or corrupt practices will not be compromised. He added that internal follow-up actions will be taken in line with public service regulations if necessary.
Discussions are underway with the Chief Secretary to the Government to fill key enforcement positions. This aims to strengthen DOE operations following the arrests.
Responding to a separate question, Arthur clarified that Malaysia has never allowed electronic waste imports. He said a recent notice reinforced the existing ban effective from February 4.
The ministry is committed to returning illegally imported waste to its country of origin. This aligns with obligations under the Basel Convention.
Between 2021 and 2025, 428 of 701 detected containers containing e-waste were repatriated. In total, 1,241 containers were inspected by various enforcement agencies during this period.
“If repatriation cannot be carried out despite all efforts… the e-waste will then be managed and safely disposed of,” Arthur explained. Disposal will occur at licensed facilities recognised by the DOE.
Regarding action against illegal e-waste processing, 85 cases were addressed through integrated operations. These operations, named Ops Hazard 1 and 2, resulted in 21 premises being compounded.
A further 64 cases were referred for prosecution, with 11 cases already concluded in court. The ministry has taken steps to shut down illegal factories and prosecute their operators.
This is done in collaboration with local authorities and the police. “The closure of premises is enforced by local authorities under the Local Government Act 1976,” Arthur said.
The ministry will continue to strengthen strategic cooperation to combat illegal e-waste processing factories nationwide.
