Malaysia to ship out 578 more e-waste containers as border agency targets full clearance by end 2026

SEGAMAT, September 27 — The Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has shipped 436 containers of electronic waste (e-waste) back to their respective origin countries this year, with another 578 containers slated for re-exportation from October onwards. Collaborating with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Royal Malaysia Police, Department of Environment, and port authorities, the agency aims to clear all 1,259 e-waste containers by the close of 2026.

AKPS Director-General Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain reported recording seizures worth RM265.89 million this year, roughly threefold the amount from 2025. He highlighted e-waste and drugs as the primary contributors to the significant value of intercepted seizures and illicit activities. Speaking at a press conference following the AKPS Basic Training Course for Pioneer Officers Series 1/2026, the director emphasized that enhanced controls and focused screenings at Kuala Lumpur International Airport have proven effective in curbing drug smuggling attempts.

The recent crackdown includes frequent arrests at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminals 1 and 2, primarily involving smugglers of cannabis flowers, often orchestrated by foreigners. The 408 newly trained Pioneer AKPS officers, consisting of 39 Grade KS5 Assistant Border Superintendents and 369 Grade KS1 Assistant Border Superintendents, are set to begin field training at the Johor Bahru-Singapore Regional Transit Station (RTS) entry point starting October 1.

To fill 13,721 AKPS positions across 122 entry points nationwide, the agency is conducting recruitment in stages through service scheme offers to personnel from six essential agencies. If the initial two recruitment phases fail to yield a satisfactory staffing level, AKPS is prepared to extend applications to other groups.