Malaysia still a transit hub for illegal ewaste disposal, says Nik Nazmi

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia continues to be used as a 'dumping ground' or transit hub for illegal ewaste after China tightened restrictions on the import of such waste into the country.

Based on a Sinar Harian report, Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, said this issue is a priority and is being addressed by the ministry and the Environment Department as effectively as possible.

However, he noted that a total of 436 containers were successfully intercepted from entering the country's ports between 2020 and this year.

He further explained that efforts to curb the entry of illegal ewaste into the country are in line with the Basel Convention.

“The convention stipulates that the cross-border movement of scheduled waste materials requires approval before any transit, import, or export activities can take place. A total of 88 containers were intercepted in 2020, 76 in 2021, 30 in 2022, 47 in 2023, and 195 in 2024,” he said during a press conference after the launch of the Jom E-Waste 2024 Carnival at AEON AU2 Setiawangsa on Saturday (Oct 12).

Nik Nazmi also mentioned that his ministry has been collaborating with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, local authorities, and other agencies in efforts to inspect and control the entry of ewaste from foreign countries.

“Previously, we conducted operations at Port Klang and illegal ewaste factories in Kedah. Alhamdulillah, we have been actively pursuing this initiative and customs has ramped up inspections to help us address this issue.

“In addition, I have met and discussed with Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, to strengthen the Environment Department and position it as the front line in this effort.

“Nevertheless, we shall wait for the outcome of the 2025 Budget, which will be presented on Oct 18,” he added.