Labelling those who smuggled in plastic waste as "traitors", Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Minister Yeo Bee Yin today said that sixty containers of the unwanted material would be sent back to their countries of origin.

Speaking after a joint enforcement operation conducted at Port Klang, she said this would total some 3,000 metric tonnes of contaminated plastic waste.

During her visit to Westport where nine containers of plastic waste were disclosed to the media, Yeo said notices will be sent to the logistics companies for the consignees to return the waste to their points of origin within 14 days.

"We will use the Environmental Quality Act 1974 to make it mandatory for them to send back (to the countries of origin). Failing which, they will be brought to the court," she said.

Under the same act, those involved in bringing in the illegal plastic waste are liable to a maximum fine of RM100,000 or imprisonment up to five years.