Penang DOE returns e-waste container to country of origin

Penang DOE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said an inspection on a container at the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) near here yesterday found that it was carrying e-waste without prior approval.

"The inspection was carried out by Penang DOE officers together with customs officers, among the waste found in the container were damaged electronic screen pads, electric boards and other electronic components.

"This electrical and electronic waste is brought in for illegal disposal in Malaysia, under the Basel Convention, prior approval from the recipient and transit countries is required for the importation of any scheduled waste including e-waste," she said in a statement today.

According to the basic principles of the Basel Convention, all waste must be treated or disposed of at the country of origin except for certain reasons such as lack of waste treatment facilities or having obtained the prior approval from DOE, she said.

Sharifah Zakiah said a notice under Section 31 and 37 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 was issued to the importer ordering it to return the container to the country of origin and failure to comply with the order may result in strict action being taken without further notice.

Anyone who imported scheduled waste, including e-waste, into Malaysia without prior approval from DEO director-general is liable to a fine of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, upon conviction, under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.