BANGI: The government has given full latitude to authorities to combat corruption and abuse of power, including activities related to the illegal importation of electronic waste (e-waste).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Cabinet had taken a firm stance on Friday (Jan 23) to strictly prohibit any act that would turn Malaysia into an e-waste dumping ground.
ALSO READ: MACC steps up probe into illegal e-waste imports
"Based on our experience with contracts and tenders, despite strong pressure and continuous reminders, we still observe weaknesses and inconsistencies," he told reporters after Friday prayers in Bandar Baru Bangi here.
"The decision by the Cabinet is to completely prohibit Malaysia from becoming a dumping ground for e-waste.
"That is why these matters must be closely monitored, and I have given full latitude (to the relevant authorities)."
ALSO READ: MACC focusing on governance weaknesses in e-waste management
It was reported on Wednesday (Jan 21) that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) would intensify investigations of illegal e-waste importation, following intelligence which revealed that between 2,000 and 3,000 containers of e-waste are smuggled into the country through major ports each month.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki was also reported to have said that several ministries were now on the graft buster's surveillance radar regarding procurement issues, including the Defence Ministry.
Meanwhile, Anwar said several parties including the MACC, the National Audit Department, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Inland Revenue Board also provided him with a full investigation report on corruption, abuse of power or related matters on Friday.
ALSO READ: Defence, police procurement linked to graft shelved for now, says PM
"Their (authorities') task is to clean up the remnants of corruption and abuse of power," he said.
Anwar had previously said that all procurement decisions of the Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysia Police related to corruption issues had been temporarily frozen until full compliance with the procurement process.
He said the government, through the ministries involved, would examine and reorganise all procurement to ensure transparency of the existing system. – Bernama
