Malaysia has imposed a ban on imports of electronic waste, as it looks to tighten controls on the entry of hazardous materials and safeguard the environment, the head of the country’s anti-graft body said.
According to Reuters. Malaysia is among the world’s top destinations for plastic waste and other scrap, but has struggled to fend off a deluge of generally illegal unrecyclable garbage.
Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Azam Baki, who chairs a government taskforce on the issue, said e-waste would be reclassified under the “Absolute Prohibition” category in customs regulations effective immediately.
“E-waste is no longer allowed to enter the country and strict enforcement will be needed involving all agencies,” Azam said in a statement on Wednesday.
The taskforce is also discussing a proposal for a three-month moratorium on the importation of plastic waste, he said.
The announcement comes amid a probe into corruption linked to e-waste management.
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