PUTRAJAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has recommended that the Department of Environment (DoE) step up nighttime inspections on scheduled waste (e-waste) and recycling premises to detect illegal activities more effectively.
The recommendation follows an EAIC investigation into DoE's enforcement on e-waste premises at the Segamat Industrial Area in Johor, which revealed that night inspections are currently conducted only on a need-to basis or upon receiving complaints.
In a statement today, the EAIC said its investigation, finalised during Commission Meeting No. 10/2026 on Oct 13, found that the DoE had conducted continuous enforcement, including taking appropriate action against repeat offenders.
The EAIC noted that the DoE carried out periodic inspections and took stern action against premises found violating the Environmental Quality Act 1974, as well as regulations regarding scheduled waste and licensing.
"Besides issuing field instructions, instruction notices, and compounds against offending premises, prosecution action was also taken against premises committing offences under Act 127," it said.
The EAIC conducted its probe through the Segamat 2.0 E-Waste Task Force to review the implementation of previously submitted improvement recommendations to the DoE, as well as investigate new enforcement allegations involving partial licenses, night operations, and repeat offences.
In a related development, the EAIC noted DoE's steps to enhance enforcement implementation, including reviewing standard operating procedures (SOPs), finalising compound guidelines, and updating procedures following amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 that took effect on March 26, 2025.
The EAIC also noted that the DoE had upgraded its complaint management system by improving the myJAS Aduan application, accessible to the public at any time, alongside conducting regular training for its officers throughout 2025 and 2026.
Furthermore, the EAIC acknowledged the strengthening of delegation of enforcement powers through the Environmental Quality (Delegation of Powers to Government Departments, Local Authorities, and Corporations) Order 2025, which came into effect on July 8 last year.
Relevant enforcement agencies have also executed integrated actions through the Special Task Force on the Direction of Enforcement Management of Plastic Waste and E-Waste Importation into the Country, officially established on Dec 8, 2025.
The EAIC expressed hope that all related agencies will continue to intensify enforcement efforts to address e-waste issues comprehensively to safeguard environmental conservation.
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