I am reproducing an article in
full from today’s (2nd October 2024) NST:
DoE intensifies crackdown
on illegal e-waste, enhances cooperation with other agencies
PUTRAJAYA: The Department of
Environment (DoE) is strengthening its collaboration with various agencies to
tackle the issue of illegal electronic waste (e-waste).
He said there had been an influx of e-waste entering Malaysia illegally, in violation of the Basel Convention.
"It enters through false declarations, not as e-waste and when it arrives, it goes to illegal facilities. "This has become a significant issue recently.
"Therefore, we are compelled to seek cooperation from the Customs Department regarding e-waste at the ports, while the state government, local councils and the police for illegal e-waste processing factories," he said during a media briefing on the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2024 and the EIA today (Oct 2).
He said the department received seven reports of illegal e-waste factories, with three each in Selangor and Pahang and one in Kedah, this year.
He said e-waste must be disposed of at licensed premises, which the license issued by the department and the respective local councils.
As of last month, there are 17 licensed e-waste factories and 106 semi-e-waste factories.
Meanwhile, when asked on a news report of inaction by the department on illegal e-waste factories at Teluk Gong, Klang, Wan Abdul Latiff dismissed the allegation.
"Out of 23 factories, which had been reported as illegal, only three were found to be illegal based on inspection conducted.
"Enforcement actions have been taken against the factories, and any violations found under our Act will be addressed.
"At the same time, relevant agencies should also take action under their respective jurisdiction," he said, adding that some of the cases would be brought to court.
Recently, a local Malay daily reported that Teluk Gong was experiencing pollution from numerous industrial waste processing factories suspected of operating illegally.
Here are my comments – My
buddy Dave Avran who runs the NGO called A Greener Malaysia has publicly stated
that there are more than 200 illegal e-waste processing factories which have
been identified in Malaysia, mostly in the Rawang and Hulu Selangor areas.
Which means that in all
probability there are another 400 illegal e-waste processing factories
blatantly operating involving elements of crime, misuse of power and corruption.
Not my words but words coming from MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Which means that the dunggu who made the statement in the above article "Out of 23 factories, which had been reported as illegal, only three were found to be illegal based on inspection conducted” has no clue what is coming out of his mouth.
What our dunggus in the Madani government need to do is shake off their stupor and take a long hard look at their 30-year-old outdated stance on the Basel Convention. There is a critical need for a robust legal framework to support the establishment of legitimate green e-waste recycling facilities in Malaysia.
Creating this framework allows green e-waste plants to operate effectively includes permitting the import of e-waste into centralized industrial parks that are adequately guarded and monitored by the relevant enforcement authorities. This would ensure that e-waste is processed safely and sustainably, preventing environmental contamination.
The adoption of green e-waste processing technology in Malaysia presents significant economic advantages. There is the potential for job creation within the green technology sector, opportunities for technology transfer and the economic uplift from licensing and taxation as key benefits. The economic advantages of legalizing and monitoring proper green e-waste processing are substantial. Advancements in green technology now enable the remnants from e-waste processing to be repurposed into construction materials such as bricks and tiles, reducing the depletion of natural resources.
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