The UK has agreed to repatriate from Malaysia 42 containers that are filled with illegal plastic waste following a trip by the Environment Agency.
Officials from the Environment Agency visited Penang Port where the containers had been stored to assist the port and customs authorities and to discuss ways in which inspection procedures in the UK could work with those in Malaysia.
A joint statement from Malaysia’s Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (Mestecc) and the British High Commission in Malaysia said:” The UK Environment Agency held a series of meetings with Mestecc, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, relevant port authorities and agencies in Malaysia.
“These meetings have resulted in a greater mutual understanding of the regulatory framework and policies related to trade in plastic waste, as well as an exchange of knowledge in sharing intelligence, inspection procedures, identification and repatriation of waste.”
Mestecc Minister Yeo Bee Yin added: “The British High Commission’s proactive action of working closely with Mestecc in repatriating 42 plastic import container in Penang Port is highly commendable.
“This cooperation signifies a recognition that plastic pollution is a global issue which requires commitment from various countries to address the problem.
“We hope the cooperation and understanding between Malaysia and the UK will set an example for other countries with companies exporting contaminated plastic waste to other developing nations.”
