KLANG: Seven containers filled with more than 100,000kg of electronic waste (e-waste) and two other containers from the United States were seized in Port Klang.
The Malaysian Border Protection and Control Agency (AKPS) along with other relevant agencies intercepted 10 containers carrying electronic waste (e-waste), scheduled waste and scrap materials during a joint inspection on Wednesday (Feb 11).
Port Klang AKPS commander Deputy Comm Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal, who led the operation, said the inspection was conducted at the CT1 Scanner Unit inspection site in West Port.
"Seven of the containers were found to contain e-waste, including used CPUs, printers, fax machines, photocopiers, keyboards and heavy machinery.
"The shipments originated from several ports in the United States, including Los Angeles, Norfolk, California and New York," he said when contacted on Thursday (Feb 12).
Among the items seized were 24,100kg of used CPUs from Los Angeles, 16,891kg of used printers, fax machines and photocopiers from Norfolk and 19,930kg of used printers from Norfolk as well, he said.
"We also seized 17,300kg of used printers and computer keyboards from California, 27,316kg of used printers from New York, 23,668kg of mixed e-waste and metal scrap from Norfolk, 22,700kg of e-waste comprising heavy machinery from California," he added.
DCP Nik Ezanee said one container was found to contain 23,341kg of scheduled waste suspected to be aluminium dross, originating from California.
"Another container carried 20,474kg of mixed plastic and paper scrap from New York.
"The 10th container did not have any prohibited items," he said.
DCP Nik Ezanee said the 10 containers weighed 195,720kg, with all shipments exported from the United States.
"The importation of scheduled waste is strictly prohibited under the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
"The e-waste containers will be placed in a secure area pending further notice from the Environment Department for re-export action.
"We will continue to inspect suspicious cargo containers and strengthen enforcement at the nation’s entry points to safeguard border sovereignty and national interests," he stressed.
Among other agencies involved in the joint operation were the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, SIRIM Bhd, police, Port Klang Authority and Selangor DOE.
