Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) along with related agencies to step up their operations against the illegal importation of electronic waste (e-waste) into Malaysia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister has emphasized the need for AKPS to collaborate closely with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to effectively tackle this issue.
Director-General Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain reported that the Prime Minister has issued a strong directive that any enforcement officers found to be involved in protecting or accepting bribes related to e-waste smuggling activities will face strict consequences. Speaking at the AKPS Director-General's Address, Mohd Shuhaily highlighted the pressing concerns regarding integrity within national enforcement agencies, a matter that has led the Prime Minister to express his impatience publicly.
Since his appointment, Mohd Shuhaily has prioritized integrity within AKPS, resulting in intensified cooperation with MACC and the Immigration Department. This collaboration has led to the arrest of 39 individuals by MACC, with some facing charges and others undergoing disciplinary action. Despite these efforts, issues such as counter setting and unauthorized passport flying remain unresolved, with intelligence and complaints continuing to surface.
Mohd Shuhaily assured that AKPS leadership will not tolerate activities compromising national security. He announced that by 2026, AKPS Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will focus on confiscation values and preventing government fund leakages. Emphasizing national security, he stated that all weaknesses affecting enforcement integrity must be promptly addressed in response to the Prime Minister's recent warning.
The Prime Minister has previously stated that the MADANI Government is fully committed to combating corruption and abuse of power, including the illegal e-waste importation. The Cabinet has strongly opposed making Malaysia a destination for e-waste dumping.
Additionally, Mohd Shuhaily announced that AKPS will commence operations at new entry points, including the Rail Transit System (RTS) in Bukit Chagar, Johor Baharu, and Woodlands in Singapore within the year. The RTS Bill is scheduled for discussion in the current Parliament session, with the RTS team being recognized for completing all necessary discussions on policies, laws, and management on schedule.
The media recently reported that the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link will feature 100 e-gates at the Bukit Chagar Immigration, Customs, and Quarantine (ICQ) Complex to streamline cross-border clearance between the two nations.