Port klang: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tomorrow over the issue of containers suspected of containing electronic waste (e-waste) entering the country. Port Klang AKPS commander Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal said the meeting will focus on detection, inspection, and coordination among agencies to address illegal shipments that could affect the country's security and economy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the meeting, which will include AKPS director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, aims to present the current issues and the steps that need to be taken collectively. The priority is to propose that containers containing e-waste that have been blocked be sent back to their country of origin to ensure the issue is addressed comprehensively and effectively.
Nik Ezanee shared these details after the AKPS Port Klang breaking of fast programme with Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS), which was also attended by BERNAS Group chief executive officer Datuk Mohammad Azlan Abdullah. AKPS has identified more than 800 containers suspected of containing illegal e-waste shipments that require immediate action to prevent misuse and security risks at the port.
A Joint E-Waste Task Force has been set up at the Port Klang level involving the Customs Department (JKDM), the Department of Environment (DoE), SIRIM Berhad, and the Port Klang Authority to coordinate actions and information among all parties. Initially, each agency had its own list of containers to be inspected, but these lists have been streamlined into a shared database to facilitate enforcement actions.
The AKPS is reviewing which containers have been inspected and determining the next steps to enable the containers to be returned to their country of origin in an orderly manner. This move is expected to speed up the process of returning the e-waste containers once internal procedures are completed and all parties are ready to take action in accordance with the guidelines.
AKPS is also reviewing the procedural flow required to facilitate the removal of containers from the port to ensure there are no delays that could affect enforcement and operational safety. Nik Ezanee emphasized the importance of collaboration to find collective solutions for the good of the country, and AKPS will present strategic proposals covering enhanced monitoring and enforcement at other high-risk ports.
Ensuring safety and compliance with import laws remains a priority for AKPS to prevent illegal activities from affecting the country and to ensure that port operations run safely and smoothly. Earlier, BERNAS hosted about 350 AKPS officers and personnel at a breaking-of-fast event after distributing 700 containers of 'bubur lambuk' to those on duty around the port.