Malaysia bans electronic waste imports

ISTANBUL

Malaysia has fully banned the importation of electronic waste (e-waste) to the country, state-run Bernama News reported on Wednesday.

Tan Sri Azam Baki, the chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), said a decision was made to classify e-waste as "absolute prohibition" in the country's customs order.

“The decision requires firm and integrated enforcement action by all relevant agencies. E-waste is no longer permitted and must be strictly enforced, involving all agencies,” he said.

Previously, the country listed e-waste under the “conditional prohibition except in the manner provided” category, which allowed the Environment Department to possess discretionary powers to grant exemptions for the importation of e-waste.