SHAH ALAM, April 15 — The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) aims to repatriate 150 containers of illegal e-waste by May 1 as enforcement under Op Green Shield ramps up, said Port Klang AKPS commander Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal, as reported by NST Online.
He added that the 150-container target was set as there has been steady progress in clearing such cargo identified under joint inspections with other enforcement agencies.
The first batch of 15 containers was shipped out through Westports at 8am yesterday, he said.
“The ship arrived at Westports on Monday evening and the containers were loaded on before the ship left the port on Tuesday morning.
“Forty more containers are expected to be shipped out later this week, with enforcement teams continuing to process remaining cases,” he told a press conference in North Port yesterday, adding that based on risk-profiling and intelligence, another 21 containers have been flagged and would be inspected on Friday.
Op Green Shield was launched on January 26 to boost monitoring, inspection and enforcement while facilitating the repatriation of illegal e-waste in accordance with the law and international conventions.
Authorities have conducted 21 operations involving the inspection of 456 containers, with 254 confirmed to contain e-waste, and, according to Nik Ezanee, 803 containers including those from earlier operations will be removed from the country.
Enforcement agencies have also detected and seized more than 6,200 tonnes of e-waste at Port Klang.
“This is a milestone for us. It shows that when all agencies work together with a shared objective, we can move forward effectively in addressing illegal e-waste imports,” Nik Ezanee said.
He added that the operation has been successful thanks to close cooperation, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), Environment Department (DOE), SIRIM Bhd, Port Klang Authority, and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS).
“Maintaining this level of cooperation and momentum will be crucial in ensuring all remaining containers are successfully repatriated,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Port Klang Joint Task Force on E-Waste said it would enlist the Royal Malaysia Police’s (PDRM) Internal Security and Public Order Department to strengthen enforcement efforts.
Nik Ezanee said the decision was made following discussions with the department’s deputy director Mohamad Suzrin Mohamad Rodhi and other members of the joint task force.
“The decision to add them to the task force was unanimous and they will be instrumental to our operation,” he explained.
He added that the involvement of the PDRM Bukit Aman unit would enhance enforcement capabilities, especially in addressing illegal e-waste beyond port areas. – Media Selangor
