KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is stepping up investigations into the illegal importation of electronic waste (e-waste), after intelligence revealed that between 2,000 and 3,000 containers have been smuggled into the country through major ports.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said the figure reflects the true scale of e-waste smuggling, which he described as increasingly alarming and in need of stronger enforcement.
“If not combated comprehensively, it has the potential to cause serious pollution to the country,” he said in a statement today.
Ahmad Khusairi said the companies involved are believed to be foreign-owned, importing electronic waste, plastic and paper for recycling. “Valuable components such as copper, alloys and gold were taken, while the remaining waste was disposed of by burning, burying or directly dumping, polluting the air and water resources,” he added.
He did not rule out the possibility of protection from certain authorities that should have prevented the entry of the waste.
To tackle the issue, Ahmad Khusairi said the E-Waste Enforcement Special Task Force Meeting has been formed, comprising 12 agencies including MACC, Waste Acceptance Control Agency (AKPS), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Department of Environment (DOE), Royal Malaysian Customs Department and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).
He said the task force will review existing laws and tighten operations to block smuggling channels at all entry points. “This meeting will examine specific laws related to e-waste and implement more effective enforcement actions to ensure that smuggling activities can be eradicated at the grassroots,” he said.
Ahmad Khusairi stressed that MACC is treating the matter seriously and has warned authorities involved to immediately halt the importation of e-waste. – January 21, 2026