99 CONTAINERS INSPECTED IN E-WASTE CRACKDOWN AT PORT KLANG

PUTRAJAYA, March 4 (Bernama) -- A total of 99 containers were inspected during "Operasi Bongkar Kontena Siri 1/2026" (Container Uncovering Operation Series 1/2026), which was carried out over two days starting yesterday, according to the Department of Environment (DOE).

The operation follows a working visit by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, to Port Klang on Feb 28, to review the status of detained electronic waste (e-waste) containers.

The DOE said today that 45 containers were inspected yesterday, of which 40 were found to contain scheduled waste, with 22 identified specifically as electronic waste.

According to the DOE, today’s operation involved the inspection of 54 containers, revealing that 32 contained scheduled waste, 25 of which were electronic waste.

"This enforcement reflects the government's continuous commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring that Malaysia does not become a destination for illegal waste disposal," the statement read.

Following the discovery, the DOE announced that actions taken include the issuance of notices to return the containers to their countries of origin, as well as legal action under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. If convicted, the offence carries a maximum fine of RM10 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

Additionally, action is being taken under Section 43 of the same Act against agents or shipping companies that fail to comply with established importation procedures.

--BERNAMA