The move reclassifies electronic waste under absolute prohibition to tighten border controls and curb environmental risks in the country amid recent corruption probes.
The arrests come as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission conducts broader investigations into alleged abuse of power and corruption in e-waste handling in Malaysia, which is one of the top destinations in Asia for illegal imports.
As Taiwan accelerates in circular industries, the test for Southeast Asia is whether the region can align with the island’s new circular economy roadmap fast enough to unlock advantages in cross-border trade.