PETALING JAYA: Following the arrests of the Department of Environment's (DOE) top two leaders by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry pledges to fully assist in investigations related to electronic waste (e-waste) management.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, said the ministry would fully commit to cooperating with the MACC in conducting a transparent and thorough investigation, in a statement on Thursday (Jan 29).
Earlier, the director-general and deputy director-general of the DOE were detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to assist in investigations linked to alleged irregularities involving e-waste.
Sources told The Star that the two were detained at about 6.30pm on Thursday (Jan 29) after they turned up to give statements at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.
“Investigations are focusing on allegations of abuse of power and corruption related to the management of e-waste, believed to have taken place over the past few years,” the source told The Star.
Arthur said the ministry would not tolerate any form of abuse of power, mismanagement, or corrupt practices involving any staff under its purview.
“Integrity remains the core principle in safeguarding the country’s environmental sustainability,” he said.
“I have also directed the ministry’s secretary-general to ensure that all functions and daily operations of the Environment Department continue as usual without disruption.
“This is to guarantee that services to the public and environmental monitoring remain prioritised.
The minister urged all parties not engage in speculation that could affect the authorities’ investigation.
“NRES will continue to monitor developments in this case and will take follow-up action internally in accordance with the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations, if necessary,” he said in a statement.
