E-Waste: A Growing Concern in Malaysia

What is E-Waste?

E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices that are no longer functional or needed, and is generally categorized into industrial and household e-waste. Industrial e-waste, generated by businesses and factories, includes large-scale power supply units, circuit boards, computer servers, and automation systems. Household e-waste consists of consumer-discarded items such as TVs, computers, smartphones, air conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators. E-waste holds significant recycling value due to its rich content, including valuable metals like iron, tin, gold, silver, and copper, which can be processed for export.

Illegal E-Waste Shipments

Malaysia banned imports of e-waste in 2012 and exports in 2017 unless a written approval is obtained from the environment department (DoE). Despite this, illegal shipments still flood the country. Last year, global waste trade watchdog Basel Action Network warned the natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry of a surge in illegal e-waste trafficking to Malaysia, particularly from North America. The group’s executive director, Jim Puckett, said Malaysia had become a top target for illegal e-waste traders, as the electronics industry looks for new dumping grounds instead of managing its waste domestically.

What Happens Next

Illegal businesses obtain these illicit shipments and exploit the high recyclable value of e-waste through unlicensed processing facilities. Valuable metals are then extracted and exported for profit while bypassing environmental regulations. Last year, authorities raided an illegal e-waste processing factory in Tikam Batu, Kedah, which was reportedly generating over RM10 million a month from precious metals. Investigations have since uncovered more than 200 illegal e-waste recycling facilities across Malaysia, particularly in Segamat, Johor; Gurun, Kedah; and Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor.

Environmental and Health Concerns

Illegal import and processing of e-waste in Malaysia has resulted in growing piles of unusable scrap in hidden, unmanaged landfills, said Nabila Zulkeflee, an environment officer from the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4). “These landfills, often located in hidden locations, are burned and left unmanaged. This is a serious concern since e-waste contains toxic and hazardous materials such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and others that can harm both the environment and humans,” she said. Improper disposal and illegal processing, such as the burning of e-waste, have led to increasing cases of respiratory illnesses and increased risks of neurological disorders and cancer.

An Economic Opportunity

There are some arguments that properly implemented recycling and processing of e-waste could be profitable and sustainable for the country. A proper system of e-waste recycling is seen as key to a circular economy, ensuring valuable materials are reused instead of discarded. Refurbishing and reselling of electronic products extends product lifespans, creates a secondary market, and reduces waste. Proper recycling of e-waste will allow the recovery of valuable metals, while providing for materials to be repurposed. It could also lower the reliance on costly mining while cutting disposal expenses for businesses. By transforming waste into a profitable resource, e-waste recycling could drive economic growth while promoting environmental responsibility.

FAQs

* What is e-waste?
E-waste is discarded electrical or electronic devices that are no longer functional or needed.
* Why is e-waste a concern?
Illegal import and processing of e-waste can lead to environmental and health concerns, as well as economic burdens.
* How can e-waste be recycled?
Proper recycling and processing of e-waste can be a profitable and sustainable option for the country, promoting a circular economy and reducing waste.
* What are the environmental concerns associated with e-waste?
Improper disposal and illegal processing of e-waste can lead to increasing cases of respiratory illnesses and increased risks of neurological disorders and cancer, as well as disruptions to ecosystems and food chains.