KUALA LUMPUR: Firm enforcement action and seamless coordination among relevant agencies are critical to curbing the growing accumulation of containers filled with e-waste and plastic waste in the country, says Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner said agencies involved in addressing the illegal importation of e-waste, particularly the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), the police, the Customs Department and the Environment Department, must act swiftly upon receiving intelligence and increase the frequency of joint operations.
"Based on our review of the latest data and statistics, we will recommend several comprehensive measures covering policy, enforcement and international cooperation to address this crisis holistically," he said when chairing the third meeting of the Special Task Force on Enforcement Direction for the Importation of Plastic Waste and E-Waste at the MACC headquarters on Tuesday (Feb 24).
Azam said each agency must designate responsible officers during coordinated enforcement actions, adding that all officers involved must be physically present at the scene to ensure effectiveness.
He also urged AKPS and Customs to pool their facilities and equipment to maximise the use of available technology.
Azam reminded the agencies to be prepared for spot checks by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is expected to visit critical locations soon to assess the effectiveness of current enforcement measures.
Meanwhile, Port Klang AKPS commander Deputy Comm Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal revealed that 818 containers of e-waste have been stranded at Port Klang since 2024, underscoring the need for a new approach to resolve the issue.
He said findings from a recent coordination meeting of the Special E-Waste Committee showed that policies and legislation relating to e-waste management must be streamlined and strengthened.
Among the proposals are to classify e-waste under the "Absolute Prohibition" category in the First Schedule of the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023.
He also suggested empowering the police under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 to investigate cases involving the illegal importation and processing of e-waste.
"Enforcement and regulatory actions must be intensified at all ports, and all agencies must work together to strengthen control mechanisms at border entry points.
"We cannot rely on conventional methods to solve this problem. Instead, we must adopt out-of-the-box approaches," he said.
On Dec 8, 2025, the MACC was mandated by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar to lead the Special Task Force on the Enforcement of Plastic Waste and E-Waste Importation.
The MACC's Governance Investigation division heads the task force to steer enforcement efforts against illegal imports of e-waste and plastic waste and to formulate holistic solutions across ministries, state governments, departments and agencies, in line with efforts to tighten controls on hazardous waste and protect the environment.
