PUTRAJAYA: The move to introduce new requirements in the application of Approved Permits (AP) on plastic waste import, including imposing levy of RM15 per tonne of such items, has been well accepted by the industry players.
Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said her side had carried out engagement sessions with the stakeholders before deciding on the new requirements.
“They have no issue with them (new requirements) because in the duration of three months, we will stop the issuance of AP for plastic scraps, which we have discussed with the industries and after that we will implement the new requirements.
“The new requirements will be stricter and anyone who wants to apply for the plastic scrap AP must fulfil the requirements. We will then carry out the vetting process to decide if we should approve or otherwise,” she told reporters.
On Tuesday, Zuraida was quoted as saying that the levy would be imposed after Oct 23.
The AP freeze, which took effect in late July due to air pollution stemming from illegal factories processing plastic waste in Kuala Langat, and the discovery of AP holders renting out the license to second and third parties, would end on Oct 23.
Zuraida said the freeze would not be extended and importers would have to comply with other new and stringent criteria, on top of having to fork out money for bringing in the plastic waste from foreign countries.
She said applicants from Oct 23 onwards would be required to furnish additional criteria such as the names of companies importing and exporting the plastic waste to ensure the authenticity of the business, adherence to the capacity and storage of raw materials, approval from the Department of Environment as well as housekeeping of the premises subjected to checks by the National Solid Waste Management Department (JPSPN).
Earlier, Zuraida witnessed the awarding of the honorary rank of Fire and Rescue Department Deputy Commissioner to Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Senator Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad Baharuddin Shah.