MALAYSIA has repatriated 150 containers of plastic waste weighing approximately 3,737 metric tonnes to its countries of origin.
Energy, Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment (MESTECC) Minister Yeo Bee Yin described this as an ‘unprecedented’ move as the repatriation exercise did not have any cost implication to the Government.
She said the costs were either borne by the exporters or shipping liners while the Government did not need to spend any amount of money.
“The 150 containers sent back were seized at Port Klang and ports in Penang, Sabah and Sarawak previously. There are still 110 containers waiting to be shipped back to their countries.
“Through our inspections at the ports and data from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, most of the containers are exported from developed countries, including France, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Spain, and Japan.
“Therefore, MESTECC will continue with the joint enforcement activities to weed out the importation of illegal plastic wastes,” she told a press conference at the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) today.
Yeo stressed that the country was not a dumping ground and the authorities were strict on the plastic wastes that were illegally brought in.
“A National Action Plan for Importation of Plastic Wastes will be launched next month by MESTECC.
“It will be a guide to all relevant enforcement agencies to strengthen the enforcement activities and procedures to combat illegal transboundary movement of plastic wastes,” she said, adding that it was important to protect human health and environment.
Also present was state Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix from YB Phee’s office