PUTRAJAYA: The government is mulling setting up a national committee to address illegal e-waste to strengthen a coordinated national approach in dealing with the issue.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Ministry said the proposal was discussed at the ministry’s special enforcement task force meeting, chaired by deputy minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh.
In a statement, the ministry said the meeting emphasised stronger enforcement on environmental issues, including the entry of illegal e-waste.
“Key issues highlighted include the accumulation of e-waste containers at ports, difficulties in identifying owners and illegal factories.
“The meeting also looked at constraints in managing seized items, as well as challenges in disposal and legal action,” it said.
Previously, Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the proposed committee aims to address illegal electronic waste through a whole-of-nation approach.
The meeting also reviewed enforcement operations such as Ops Bongkar Kontena and Ops Hazard that was carried out to curb the entry of scheduled waste, the statement read.
The ministry said several strategic measures were identified, including establishing a Department of Environment (DOE) branch at Port Klang, amending the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023, and strengthening the management of seized goods and enforcement logistics, Bernama reported.
The special task force will meet monthly or as needed to ensure coordinated, focused and effective enforcement.
The meeting involved key ministry agencies, including the DOE, Wildlife and National Parks Department, Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, Minerals and Geoscience Department and the Director General of Lands and Mines Department.
The ministry said the government remains committed to strengthening enforcement against environmental offences, including illegal e-waste.
