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AUTHORITIES have seized 10 shipping containers carrying nearly 196 tonnes of electronic and scheduled waste from the United States at Port Klang, in one of the latest enforcement actions targeting illegal waste imports.
The Malaysian Border Protection and Control Agency (AKPS), working alongside several other enforcement bodies, intercepted the containers during a joint inspection at the CT1 Scanner Unit inspection site in West Port on Feb 11.
Port Klang AKPS commander Deputy Commissioner Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal, who led the operation, said seven of the containers were filled with electronic waste.
“Seven of the containers were found to contain e-waste, including used CPUs, printers, fax machines, photocopiers, keyboards and heavy machinery.
“The shipments originated from several ports in the United States, including Los Angeles, Norfolk, California and New York,” The Star reported hmi saying when contacted.
Among the consignments seized were 24,100kg of used CPUs from Los Angeles; 16,891kg of used printers, fax machines and photocopiers from Norfolk; and 19,930kg of used printers, also from Norfolk.
“We also seized 17,300kg of used printers and computer keyboards from California, 27,316kg of used printers from New York, 23,668kg of mixed e-waste and metal scrap from Norfolk, 22,700kg of e-waste comprising heavy machinery from California,” he added.
One container was found to contain 23,341kg of scheduled waste suspected to be aluminium dross, originating from California, while another carried 20,474kg of mixed plastic and paper scrap from New York. The 10th container was found to contain no prohibited items.
In total, the 10 containers weighed 195,720kg and were all exported from the United States.
“The importation of scheduled waste is strictly prohibited under the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
“The e-waste containers will be placed in a secure area pending further notice from the Environment Department for re-export action.
“We will continue to inspect suspicious cargo containers and strengthen enforcement at the nation’s entry points to safeguard border sovereignty and national interests,” he stressed.
The joint operation involved the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, SIRIM Bhd, the police, Port Klang Authority and the Selangor Department of Environment.
The seizure comes against the backdrop of growing concern over Malaysia’s own electronic waste output.
According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2024 published by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, each person in Malaysia generates an average of 12.2kg of e-waste annually, the third highest in Asean and well above the global average of 7.8kg.
Singapore tops the regional list at 20.3kg per capita, followed by Brunei at 19.9kg, with Thailand ranking fourth at 10.5kg.
Globally, 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated in 2022, yet only 2.3 per cent was formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup recently disclosed that more than half of the 1,241 shipping containers inspected between 2021 and 2025 were found to contain e-waste, with 428 containers returned to their countries of origin.
On the ground, some Malaysians are attempting to manage their digital footprint more responsibly. Engineer Termizi Muhamad, 33, said he sorts electrical and electronic items before sending them to recycling centres or mall kiosks.
“Items like batteries, devices and appliances are separated according to disposal guidelines. If something is still repairable, I offer it to others who can fix it themselves,” The Star cited him saying.
However, he noted that while certain centres offer cash incentives, rewards or vouchers, more facilities are needed.
“More collection facilities should be set up closer to residential communities and private companies should be encouraged to allocate space for e-waste collection in housing area.
“Most importantly, there needs to be greater public education and awareness about proper e-waste disposal,” he said.
Environmental officer Ainatul Mardhiah Arshad, 28, said sentimental value sometimes leads her to keep old mobile phones, although she recycles other devices.
“For devices such as printers and WiFi routers, I send them to a recycling centre in Putrajaya,” she said.
She suggested better promotion of recycling centre locations and vending machine-style collection points for small items to improve participation.
“Cash rewards encourage more people to recycle,” she said.
Businessman Iqtidar Ahmad Bashir Ahmad, 35, from Gombak, argued that stronger regulation is needed.
“In Germany, every type of waste is separated. They also use different coloured plastic bags for recyclable and non-recyclable waste.
“So, if you have a law in place mandating separation at source, including e-waste, then people will be more aware of what they are discarding. If they don’t comply, a fine can be imposed,” he said.
Members of the public seeking to dispose of electronic waste properly may refer to the Department of Environment’s e-waste portal, which lists registered collection centres and authorised drop-off points. - February 12, 2026
