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) into the country.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Cabinet had taken a firm stance by strictly prohibiting any act that would turn Malaysia into a dumping ground for e-waste, Bernama reported.
“Based on our experience with contracts and tenders, despite strong pressure and continuous reminders, we still observe weaknesses and inconsistencies.
“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,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Surau Al Amin in Bandar Baru Bangi.
It was reported that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) would intensify investigations into illegal e-waste importation activities, 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 had been placed under the commission’s surveillance in relation to procurement issues, including the Defence Ministry.
Greeting the people: Anwar greeting locals after performing Friday prayers at Surau Al Amin in Bandar Baru Bangi, Hulu Langat. — Prime Minister’s Department
Meanwhile, Anwar said several parties, including the MACC, the National Audit Department, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Inland Revenue Board, had submitted to him a comprehensive investigation report on corruption, abuse of power and related matters.
“Their task is to clean up the remaining traces of corruption and abuse of power,” he said.
Anwar also called for the proposed centralised pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, Selangor, which has caused concern among local residents, to be either put on hold or relocated to a more suitable site.
Anwar said he would hold discussions with Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari to seek the best solution to the issue.
He said the matter was raised at the Cabinet meeting he chaired yesterday, following public unease in the affected area.
“I will discuss this with the Mentri Besar and suggest that the project be put on hold, or relocated to a more suitable area, provided the technology used is fully assured.
“Even if the technology is the best available, if it causes concern in the area, it should not be allowed to proceed,” he said.
Anwar said that although the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the Selangor state government, the federal government remains concerned as it has triggered public unease.
“This cannot be taken lightly or treated as something that can be resolved easily,” he said.
Previously, Amirudin said the state government has yet to identify an alternative location to replace Bukit Tagar as the new site for the state’s centralised pig farming operations.
However, he said the state government remains open and is prepared to engage all parties in discussions to ensure the implementation of a more orderly and comprehensive livestock farming system.
On Jan 10, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, expressed his disappointment and disagreement with the state government’s plan to allow temporary pig farming operations in Tanjong Sepat, Kuala Langat, beginning this year, before relocating them to Bukit Tagar in 2030.
The Ruler said the palace was particularly opposed due to the potential introduction of large-scale, export-oriented pig farming operations.
