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Malaysia bans e-waste imports: ‘not world’s dumping ground’
Authorities have intercepted hundreds of containers of suspected e-waste at Malaysian ports in recent years and returned them to exporters
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Malaysia has announced an immediate and full ban on the importation of electronic waste, as the government vowed the country would not be a “dumping ground” for the world’s waste.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said in a statement late on Wednesday that all electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste, would be reclassified under the “absolute prohibition” category effective immediately.
This removes the discretionary power previously given to the Department of Environment to grant exemptions for the importation of certain e-waste.
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“E-waste is no longer permitted,” MACC chief Azam Baki said in the statement, vowing “firm and integrated enforcement action” to prevent illegal imports.
Malaysia has previously grappled with large volumes of imported e-waste, much of it suspected to be illegal and hazardous to human health and the environment.
Authorities have seized hundreds of containers of suspected e-waste at ports in recent years and issued notices for return to exporters.
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