Malaysia bans e-waste imports

Malaysia has imposed an immediate and complete ban on the import of electronic waste, or e-waste. The country's government has clearly stated that Malaysia will no longer be allowed to become the world's "dumping ground".

In a statement issued late on Wednesday, February 4, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) announced that the import of all types of e-waste has been immediately re-categorised as "completely prohibited". This nullifies the Environment Department's previous authority to permit limited e-waste imports.

MACC Chief Azam Baki stated, "E-waste is no longer permitted under any circumstances." He pledged strict and integrated law enforcement to prevent illegal imports.

Malaysia has previously faced problems on multiple occasions due to large-scale e-waste imports. A significant portion of this waste was illegal and severely harmful to human health and the environment. In recent years, authorities have seized hundreds of suspicious containers of e-waste at various ports, which were later slated for return to exporting countries.

This ban has been issued as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in e-waste management. Last week, the MACC remanded the Director-General and Deputy Director-General of the Environment Department on suspicion of power abuse and corruption in e-waste oversight. As part of the investigation, several related bank accounts and cash have also been seized.

Meanwhile, in a social media post on Wednesday, Malaysia's Home Ministry stated that the government will take even stricter measures to prevent e-waste smuggling. The post said, "Malaysia is not the world's dumping ground. E-waste is not just rubbish; it is a serious threat to the environment, public health, and national security."