Illegal e-waste gets one-way ticket home as Malaysia targets 1,259 containers

Port Klang, Aug 14 — The Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) is on track to repatriate all 1,259 containers of illegal electronic waste (e-waste) by the end of the year. Commanding the operation is Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal, who explained the initiative is being carried out in three phases, each tackling a portion of the seized e-waste stockpile.

Over the past two years, AKPS has worked in tandem with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and Port Klang Authority to manage an estimated 8,000 metric tonnes of illegal e-waste. Thus far, 255 containers have been shipped back to their countries of origin, with the second phase focusing on returning 533 more containers. The final phase is set to commence on October 1, targeting the remaining 578 containers.

Nik Ezanee told reporters today that the 1,259-container target may remain unchanged, pending any cases still under investigation.

In stage one, inspections have uncovered no attempts to re-import the banned materials, though some containers have been intercepted returning alongside other commercial goods according to AKPS checklists. While the port's scanning machines prove highly effective at detecting illegal shipments, human factors still present challenges.

Nik Ezanee acknowledged occasional lapses in the operation, but emphasized AKPS' ongoing training programs for scanning officers and the agency's commitment to continuous improvement. The large-scale operation to return illegal e-waste underscores the Malaysian government's determination to prevent ports from becoming transit points or dumping grounds for toxic waste.

AKPS and allied enforcement agencies remain resolute in tightening risk profiling and imposing strict legal consequences for any parties violating laws and international conventions.