Malaysia Seized Several Hundreds of Illegal E-Waste Containers

Johari reiterated that the Ministry remains committed to tackling crimes involving the illegal processing of smuggled e-waste.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Between 2023 and May of this year, 779 containers containing illicit electronic waste were seized for violating Basel Convention regulations on all forms of cross-border movement of scheduled waste, according to Malaysia's Acting Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

Authorities from the Department of Environment (DoE) inspected 583 of these containers. Up to 119 importing companies received notifications directing them to return the containers. As a result, he continued, 294 containers were returned to their home countries.

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Johari reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to combating offenses related to the illicit processing of e-waste that has been smuggled. By conducting coordinated nationwide operations like Ops Hazard 1.0 and 2.0 in February and June of this year, the government has also been stepping up efforts to tackle illegal e-waste processing plants. 9,356 tonnes of e-waste were seized as a result of the raids that were carried out in 53 locations as part of Ops Hazard 1.0. Additionally, 2,069 tons were seized during 69 raids by Ops Hazard 2.0.

He added that in cooperation with the Customs Department, the DoE, and port authorities, the Ministry has reinforced control measures at border entrance sites.