Arthur: A Special Task Force has been established by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) to strengthen governance and environmental law enforcement in the country, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the move is also aimed at improving the Department of Environment's (DOE) standard operating procedures to make them more responsive and impactful.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, NRES is aware of the recent arrests of two senior DOE officers by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and is fully committed to cooperating with the investigation. The ministry emphasizes integrity, good governance, and accountability as priorities, stating that all forms of abuse of power or corrupt practices will not be tolerated. Follow-up actions at the internal level will be taken in accordance with public service regulations if necessary.
Arthur addressed a supplementary question from Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) regarding the measures to ensure the integrity of DOE services following the arrest of its top officials. He mentioned that discussions are underway with the Chief Secretary to the Government to fill key positions, particularly in enforcement, to strengthen DOE operations.
In response to a query from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) on the government's ban on the import of electronic waste (e-waste) effective from February 4, Arthur clarified that Malaysia has never permitted e-waste imports. He added that NRES is committed to returning illegally imported waste to its country of origin, aligning with obligations under the Basel Convention. Between 2021 and 2025, 428 of 701 detected containers containing e-waste were repatriated.
Arthur noted that a total of 1,241 containers were inspected by various enforcement agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and DOE, during this period. If repatriation cannot be carried out despite all efforts, the e-waste will be managed and safely disposed of through Environmentally Sound Management at safe, licensed facilities recognized by DOE in the country.
Regarding action against premises conducting illegal e-waste processing, Arthur reported that 85 cases have been addressed through integrated operations "Ops Hazard 1 and 2." These operations led to 21 premises being compounded, with 64 referred for prosecution, and 11 cases already concluded in court.
Arthur also highlighted steps taken to shut down illegal factories and prosecute their operators in court, in collaboration with local authorities and the police. The closure of premises is enforced by local authorities under the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171), particularly concerning licensing and enforcement of premises. The ministry, through DOE, will continue to strengthen strategic cooperation to combat the existence and operations of illegal e-waste processing factories nationwide.