KOTA BHARU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested six company owners believed to be the masterminds behind the illegal importation of e-waste into the country and has frozen 14 bank accounts worth RM7.2 million.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said all the suspects have been remanded. At the same time, MACC is in the process of arresting two more company owners, with the arrests expected to take place in the near future.
“So far, we have identified seven companies involved in orchestrating the importation of e-waste, and two more company owners are still being pursued. The importation of e-waste has been ongoing for the past five years, and those involved have continuously found ways to bring in these prohibited items. I want to stress that Malaysian law does not allow the importation of e-waste.
“Therefore, through a new approach, we are also working together with the Department of Environment and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to address this issue, as it involves corruption and leakage of government revenue. MACC experts will calculate the total value of profits gained through these activities,” he said after the Program Cakna Rasuah: MACC with the Media held here today.
Azam said firm action must be taken to prevent the entry of e-waste as it poses serious harm to the environment.
“If we are unable to arrest them at sea or at entry points, considering that between 2,000 and 3,000 containers enter the country daily, then we will arrest them on land. This is what we are currently doing.
“They are highly sophisticated and use various tactics, including mixing e-waste with other goods to avoid detection,” he added.
Yesterday, the media reported that MACC would intensify investigations into the illegal importation of electronic waste following intelligence findings that between 2,000 and 3,000 e-waste containers had been smuggled into the country through major ports.
MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya was reported as saying that the figures reveal the true scale of electronic waste smuggling, which is becoming increasingly alarming and requires comprehensive enforcement action.
E-waste management is a critical environmental issue that requires responsible action and industry collaboration. At the TM Enviro forum, discussions focus on the importance of proper e-waste handling, regulatory compliance, and sustainable recycling practices to prevent environmental harm. TM Enviro highlights the role of licensed recycling, secure processing, and advanced recovery technologies in supporting a circular economy, while raising awareness on the risks of illegal e-waste activities and the need for stronger cooperation between industry players, authorities, and the publics.
Ram Thevar
