SHAH ALAM: The Environment Department (DOE) has issued 103 directive notices to consignees to return containers containing electronic waste (e-waste) to their countries of origin, following inspections conducted under Ops Bongkar at Port Klang.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Ministry said in a statement on Friday (March 13) that the operation from March 3 to 9 assessed the contents of containers suspected of illegally transporting e-waste through the port.
"To date, the DOE has issued 103 directive notices, under Sections 31 and 37 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, to the consignees.
"The notices instruct that containers identified as containing e-waste be returned to their countries of origin, and the authorities are currently awaiting feedback from the consignees involved," it said.
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It also said that ministry secretary-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin visited Port Klang on Friday with other officials and DOE officers to review the latest developments under Ops Bongkar.
This followed a working visit by Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup to the same port on Feb 28 to assess the level of enforcement operations on the ground.
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During her visit, Anis Rizana also chaired a coordination meeting with the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and the Port Klang Authority to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and expedite the resolution of the container congestion issue.
"This field visit reflects the continued commitment of NRES and the DOE to ensure that environmental laws are enforced firmly, effectively and in an integrated manner, in line with the government’s efforts to address e-waste smuggling activities more comprehensively," the ministry said. – Bernama
