PORT KLANG: Amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974, which increase penalties for the illegal importation of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) to a maximum fine of RM10 million, will come into effect on July 7.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said this was one of the government's efforts to combat illegal e-waste import syndicates.
He said the amendments were in the final stages of gazettement.
"Malaysia will continue to update and tighten regulations and laws related to waste importation, including introducing heavier penalties for illegal waste import offences," said Nik Nazmi.
"Under the amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974, the maximum fine can be up to RM10 million, increased from the current RM500,000.
"The amendments have been passed in the Dewan Rakyat and are in the gazettement process. I have signed the effective date as July 7.
"There will be higher fines, mandatory imprisonment and concerted efforts to curb this activity," he said at a press conference today following a visit to Port Klang regarding the issue of e-waste container entry.
The next step, Nik Nazmi added, was for his ministry to present a report on the Environment Department and Customs operations to the cabinet.
"I will bring the matter to the cabinet to review how enforcement, policies, and regulations work. We will address enforcement challenges with the amendments and bring them to the cabinet.
"And yes, the government declares war on tackling this syndicate issue."
On March 24, it was reported that the government was working on amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 to increase penalties for the illegal importation of e-waste.
Nik Nazmi revealed this in a written response to a former environment minister, Yeo Bee Yin (PH-Puchong).
He said the fine will be increased to a more deterrent level to show the government's commitment to addressing the problem of illegal e-waste importation.
On April 4, the Dewan Negara passed the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Bill 2023.
The bill received the senate's majority support through a voice vote called by Senator Rita Sarimah Patrick Insol, who chaired the proceedings.