BANGI: More manpower is needed to strengthen enforcement against illegal electronic waste entering Malaysia through the country’s ports, as authorities step up efforts to prevent the nation from becoming a global dumping ground.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the Department of Environment (DOE) is moving to establish a dedicated enforcement branch at major ports, alongside an increase in personnel to meet growing operational demands.
“The DOE is facing manpower constraints, so we are proposing to set up a special branch at ports and increase our staff to meet the rising workload,” he told reporters after officiating the 51st DOE Enforcement Day celebration at Bangi Avenue Convention Centre here yesterday.
Arthur said a proposal on the matter has been finalised and will be submitted to the Cabinet next week for consideration.
“The risk is always there because Malaysia has been an easy target,” he said, referring to illegal e-waste shipments.
Arthur said that Malaysia, as a party to the Basel Convention, also aims to emulate China’s strict stance in banning the entry of foreign e-waste.
He added that DOE is working closely with other enforcement agencies, including the police, Customs, the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency and others through integrated operations, as tackling the issue requires joint responsibility across multiple bodies.
Ops Bongkar highlighted the scale of the challenge in March, when authorities inspected 213 containers at entry points nationwide, of which 103 were confirmed to contain illegal e-waste.
Meanwhile, Arthur said under Ops Hazard 3.0, DOE inspections of 104 unlicensed premises led to the seizure of about 4,714 metric tonnes of e-waste, involving illegal factories operating without licences and posing environmental and health risks.
He said further strengthening will come through legislative reform, with the Phase 2B amenments to the Environmental Quality Act expected to be tabled in Parliament early 2027.
“Even with advanced technology such as drones, IOT sensors and AI, the real strength still lies in the capability and instinct of the enforcement officers on the ground,” he said.
Also present at the event were NRES deputy secretary-general (Environmental Sustainability) Datuk Nor Yahati Awang and DOE deputy director-general (Development) Azuri Azizah Saedon.
