JOHOR BARU: Johor will not accept any kind of investments relating to imported e-waste materials coming into the state, says Lee Ting Han.
The state investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman added that Johor’s stand was in line with the national policy when it comes to e-waste.
“Our position is very clear. The government will not allow or accept any kind of investments dealing with e-waste materials coming from foreign countries imported into Johor,” he said when met after carrying out a walkabout at Jualan Rahmah Ramadan held at Pasar Khamis Kampung Sungai Tiram in Ulu Tiram here yesterday.
Lee, who is also Paloh assemblyman, said processing plants operating in the state were only allowed to accept local e-waste, not imported ones.
“Usage of electrical and electronic devices in Johor is quite high, with consumers typically throwing away their gadgets or devices when replacing them with new ones,” Lee said as he welcomed the recent crackdown carried out by Malaysian authorities on e-waste operators to ensure they abide by the rule.
“It is important that authorities such as the local councils, police, the Environment Department (DOE) and other related agencies continue their operations against operators.
“If they are found to be operating without a license or accepting imported e-waste materials, then we will take strict legal action against them including seizing their premises,” he said.
On Feb 16, police uncovered illegal e-waste processing centres that were operating in three factories here, seizing more than RM71mil worth of metal and equipment.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the authorities raided the premises in Desa Cemerlang, Ulu Tiram, here at 6.10am on Friday, with the operation continuing until 11am.
“The raids were based on a public tip-off about the illegal storage and processing of e-waste at the locations.
“The items seized during the raids include a variety of metals, such as iron, tin and copper, and automotive, electronic and plastic parts, all stored in 1,369 jumbo gunny sacks and 28 pallets.
“The items are believed to have been brought in from overseas,” he said.
Comm Kumar added that 47 units of processing equipment and machinery were also seized, along with 19 square tanks filled with iron powder and automotive components weighing about 41 tonnes.
The raids involved the marine police and Johor DOE and Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) staff, with the seized items handed over to DOE for further action.
Comm Kumar said two foreign workers were arrested to facilitate investigations, as well as for staying in the country without a valid permit.
The case is also being investigated under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and MBJB’s bylaws for trade, business and industrial licensing.
“We will continue weeding out such illegal activities that harm the environment and the well-being of the people.
“The public is also welcome to channel information regarding such activities to us so we can act,” he added.
