Kedah DOE: Illegal e-waste recycling operations a growing concern
The illegal operation of facilities recycling electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) has become an increasingly pressing concern, despite recent amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 that impose stiffer penalties on offenders.
Kedah Environment Department director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said several premises involved in the illegal processing and disposal of e-waste in the state have already been identified and action taken...
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The Star
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Tougher measures to clean up Johor
Onn Hafiz says the state government will use AI-based monitoring systems. Johor government will set up a special task force as part of a renewed effort to address illegal rubbish dumping. Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said they aimed to implement a more comprehensive strategy against offenders. The announcement comes as official figures highlight the ongoing challenge. Last year, local councils statewide handled 2,206 cases of illegal rubbish dumping, with compounds reaching RM654,210. This trend has continued as another 634 cases were recorded, with compounds worth RM202,700 as of April this year, Onn Hafiz revealed. The intensified approach, he said, follows a decree from Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim. 'It is time we stop tolerating littering, whether on the streets or in the rivers,' he said at the state assembly sitting in Bangunan Sultan Ismail, Kota Iskandar. As of April this year, 634 cases of illegal dumping were recorded in Johor. — Filepic Onn Hafiz acknowledged that current laws, including the Local Government Act 1976 and Environmental Quality Act 1974, were proving insufficient. 'The penalties are no longer strong deterrents, especially when compared to other countries with stricter enforcement and heavier fines,' he said. 'As such, the state government can no longer rely solely on existing approaches. 'We must take more radical and firm steps,' he said, adding that among them included raising the minimum compound rate and reviewing outdated by-laws. Onn Hafiz said the task force would focus on three key areas, the first being strengthening enforcement and reviewing outdated by-laws. 'It will also step up civic education and public awareness campaigns, as exemplified by Japan's cleanliness culture,' he elaborated. Additionally, the task force will deploy artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems at hotspots to speed up offender detection and prosecution. In his opening address at the assembly, Tunku Ismail had instructed the authorities to impose stricter punishment on those who continue to dump rubbish illegally. He said the state government and federal agencies must work together to address the issue.
The Star
3 days ago
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New Straits Times
30-05-2025
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Company, two directors charged with illegal disposal of scheduled waste
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