Kuala lumpur: The importation of electronic waste (e-waste) has been entirely banned in Malaysia and will now be classified under the Absolute Prohibition category in the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023. The decision was finalized by the Special Task Force on the Direction of Enforcement Management of Plastic Waste and E-Waste Imports, chaired by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azam Baki announced that the Department of Environment (DOE) has been directed to promptly submit an application to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to include e-waste under the Absolute Prohibition category in the Customs Order. "The decision mandates firm and integrated enforcement action by all relevant agencies. E-waste is no longer permitted and must be strictly enforced involving all agencies," Azam stated.

Previously, e-waste was listed under the 'Conditional Prohibition Except in the Manner Provided' category in the Third Schedule, Part 1, of the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023. In that category, the director-general of the DOE had discretionary powers to grant exemptions for the importation of prohibited waste, subject to certain conditions.

The statement from the meeting also revealed the establishment of a special committee to coordinate and strengthen enforcement related to e-waste. This committee will be led by Port Klang Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) Control and Protection Commander Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal. The outcomes of the committee's meetings are required to be reported to the Special Task Force within one week to ensure a more systematic and effective management of e-waste.

Furthermore, the Special Task Force agreed that detailed data is necessary to assess the feasibility of a three-month moratorium on the plastic waste import sector before a final decision is made. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, the National Solid Waste Management Department, and the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation have been tasked with evaluating the sector's contribution to the economy and national revenue, as well as industry needs, to be presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.