MACC Steps Up Investigation Into Alleged Illegal E-Waste Imports
E-waste Recycling | 2026-01-21 06:53:41
Authorities believe the companies involved are foreign-owned recyclers importing electronic waste, plastic, and paper under the guise of recycling.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has intensified investigations after receiving information that up to 3,000 containers of electronic waste (e-waste) were illegally imported through major Malaysian ports.
According to MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, the scale of e-waste smuggling is deeply concerning and calls for stronger enforcement action.
Authorities believe the companies involved are foreign-owned recyclers importing electronic waste, plastic, and paper under the guise of recycling. MACC has not ruled out the involvement of corrupt officials tasked with preventing illegal waste imports. Ahmad Khusairi warned that unchecked activity could lead to serious environmental pollution.
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He explained that valuable materials such as copper, alloys, and gold are extracted, while residual waste is often burned, buried, or dumped, contaminating air and water resources. To address the threat, a multi-agency taskforce involving 12 government bodies, including border control, police, customs, and environmental authorities, has been formed to review laws and strengthen anti-smuggling controls.
Separately, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki proposed a six-month moratorium on plastic waste and e-waste imports, allowing assessment of economic, environmental, and enforcement impacts during a focused national policy review process.
POLL
Which action is most important to tackle illegal e-waste imports in Malaysia?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What prompted the MACC investigation?
Information revealed up to 3,000 containers of e-waste were illegally imported through Malaysian ports.
- Who is suspected of involvement?
Foreign-owned recycling companies may be involved, with potential complicity of corrupt officials.
- What measures are being taken?
A multi-agency taskforce is reviewing laws and enforcement, and a six-month moratorium on imports has been proposed.
