KUALA LUMPUR: Shipping companies have been given about a month to remove containers carrying illegally imported electronic waste (e-waste) from Port Klang, says Deputy Comm Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal (pic).
The Port Klang Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) commander said integrated operations led by the agency would inspect containers suspected of carrying e-waste, based on intelligence.
“Such cases often involved false declarations by importers or shipping companies.
“Once the Department of Environment (DOE) confirms that the containers are carrying e-waste, the matter is handed over to the Customs Department, which will then issue orders for the containers to be re-exported to their countries of origin,” he said in a recent interview.
While shipping companies are given about a month to re-export such containers, DCP Nik Ezanee said some companies are given more time upon request, on a case by case basis.
“We do not keep seized e-waste containers nor do we allow them to leave the port.
“Instead, the port operators are responsible for storage while the joint task force works on clearing them out.”
He added that shipping liners responsible for bringing in the containers under false declarations must also bear the responsibility of exporting them out again with proper declarations.
“Our mandate is to ensure these e-waste shipments are taken out of the country and returned to where they came from.”
According to DCP Nik Ezanee, most recently seized containers arrived between December and January.
Since the formation of the Special Task Force on e-waste enforcement, a total of 55 containers have been shipped out of the country, he said.
Between January and April this year, there was a total of 559 containers, of which 295 were found to contain e-waste weighing a total of 7,028,008kg, DCP Nik Ezanee said.
“March recorded the highest number of inspections at 253 containers, with 165 containing e-waste weighing 3,790,752kg.”
DCP Nik Ezanee said enforcement agencies faced several challenges, particularly in terms of manpower and logistics.
“We need time to equip our personnel with adequate training and skills.
“We are now gradually upgrading our systems as well,” he said, adding that limited office facilities, field assets and skilled personnel were among the key constraints faced by the enforcement team.
To address these weaknesses, AKPS has worked closely with agencies including Customs, DOE, the Immigration Department and Sirim.
“We are protectors of this nation. If we have to fight with pitchforks and torches, so be it.”
