The toxic waste from Taiwan which landed on Malaysians shores does not pose a danger to the environment, said Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister S Sothinathan today.

"These are not radiation material that can evaporate into the air. The substance by nature does not cause any damage to air or water.

"We have taken all the necessary action and there is no need to worry," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Sothinathan was commenting on some 12,000 tonnes of toxic waste imported from Taiwan and stored at a brick-making factory in Labis, Johor, without the authorities' knowledge.

The substance, copper oxide sludge is used in the manufacturing of bricks.

The deputy minister said his ministry had directed the relevant authorities to investigate the matter to enable the government to take action against the culprit for not informing the authorities.

"The chain of evidence need to be established...how the waste came about and who are the people involved," he added.

Police report

On Wednesday, the Umno Youth wing has lodged a police report on the matter.

Its assistant secretary Abdul Rauf Yusoh 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 said.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Adenan Satem yesterday said he had instructed the Department of Environment (DOE) to expedite its probe on the matter.

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 Johor where the toxic wastes were found, has been placed under tight security to prevent any interruptions to the investigations.

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.