Liew said Asean must accelerate its transition towards a circular economy and low-carbon model, tailored to the capacities of each member country, Bernama reported.

“However, Malaysia cannot work alone. We need to engage and collaborate at both the intra- and inter-regional levels to harmonise policies, share expertise and address common challenges such as waste trafficking,” he was quoted as saying in his speech at a seminar organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

According to data from Eurostat, the European Union (EU) exported 8.5 million tonnes of paper, plastic and glass in 2023, with more than one-fifth destined for Malaysia’s dumps.

Liew also called on source countries, particularly in Europe and North America, to take the lead in curbing waste trafficking at its origin.

“Malaysia acknowledges the efforts put in by the EU in this aspect, and we would like to deepen collaboration with the EU and other source countries to address this issue. We would like to see more forthcoming efforts by other source countries,” he said.

Liew said combating waste trafficking was intertwined with adopting circular economy practices, such as Malaysia’s extended producer responsibility schemes, to hold producers accountable for effectively managing their waste.

He added that reduced waste trafficking would lead to a safer Malaysia, Asean and world.

“The investment, trade and industry ministry remains committed to fostering sustainable trade and supporting Malaysia’s green transformation,” he said.