Malaysia to amend environmental law to strengthen action against illegal e-waste

Malaysia is preparing to amend its Environmental Quality Act to strengthen enforcement against illegal electronic waste (e-waste), as part of a broader effort to tighten environmental protection. The move aims to equip enforcement authorities with stronger legal powers to combat the growing challenge of illegal waste imports and disposal. The government has highlighted concerns that Malaysia risks becoming a destination for global e-waste dumping, particularly through ports and border entry points. Authorities are therefore prioritising stricter monitoring and enforcement at these critical gateways to prevent unlawful shipments from entering the country. In addition to legislative changes, the government is strengthening inter-agency cooperation between the police, customs, and border protection authorities. Joint enforcement operations have already uncovered significant illegal activities, including large volumes of unlicensed e-waste handling and improper disposal practices. To further enhance enforcement capacity, Malaysia is also exploring the use of advanced technologies such as drones, IoT sensors, and artificial intelligence. The proposed amendments, expected to be tabled in Parliament, reflect the country’s commitment to improving environmental governance, reducing pollution, and aligning with global sustainability standards.