Umno's Youth wing yesterday lodged a police report and urged an inquiry into the illegal import of nearly 12,000 tonnes of toxic industrial waste from Taiwan.

Abdul Rauf Yusoh, assistant secretary of wing, asked the police to investigate whether any government agencies were behind the move to bring in the wastes.

"An investigation must be done - whether it is a criminal act or it involved corruption. Action must be taken against those involved," he was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

Abdul Rauf said the toxic waste was a threat to the environment and the public.

"We are concerned about this case. The relevant authorities must ensure companies do not import toxic materials," he said.

Bogus licence

On Monday, Taiwan said it was prepared to take back the toxic industrial waste exported to Malaysia after the environmental authorities found the import licence for the shipment was bogus.

The Malaysian government confirmed the licence provided by a Malaysian company was bogus and environmental authorities immediately called a halt to the export.

The company, Hung-Yiu Technology of Environmental Protection Co, had already transported to Malaysia 11,879 tonnes of the waste, which contains high levels of heavy metals, he said.

Hung-Yiu general manager TK Cheng said his company was itself a victim as it had not known the import license was fake.

Expedite probe

In a related development, the government has instructed the Department of Environment (DOE) to complete its probe on how the toxic waste was brought into Malaysia from Taiwan without the authorities' knowledge.

"They (DOE) are investigating now and I want the probe to be completed as soon as possible," Natural Resources and Environment Minister Adenan Satem was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Adenan said he had also directed the DOE to be on alert to prevent recurrence of such a fiasco, adding that the department would take stern action against those who smuggled toxic wastes into the country.

The minister said the brick factory in Simpang Renggam, Johor where the toxic wastes were found, has been placed under tight security to prevent any interruptions to the investigations.