Malaysia bans e-waste imports to stop illegal dumping

Malaysia announced an immediate, full ban on electronic waste imports and reclassified all e‑waste as an "absolute prohibition," removing prior exemptions. Authorities say the move comes alongside a widening corruption inquiry into e‑waste oversight that has led to detentions and asset freezes.

Malaysia has announced an immediate, full ban on the importation of electronic waste. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said the change reclassifies all e-waste under "absolute prohibition," and removes the Department of Environment's previous discretion to grant import exemptions. Officials described plans for strengthened, integrated enforcement to prevent illegal imports. The announcement follows years of reported shipments and port seizures that raised environmental and health concerns. Key facts: - The MACC said the reclassification is effective immediately and that e-waste imports are no longer permitted. - MACC chief Azam Baki pledged "firm and integrated enforcement action" to stop illegal imports. - Authorities have seized hundreds of containers of suspected e-waste at ports and issued notices for return to exporters in recent years. - The announcement comes amid a corruption inquiry into e-waste management that has included the detention of the environment department's director-general and deputy, frozen accounts and seizures of cash. Summary: The ban removes the previous exemption process and signals a tighter regulatory stance on imported electronic waste, with officials saying enforcement will be stepped up. The corruption investigation related to e-waste oversight is ongoing; Undetermined at this time.