Crackdown on Global Waste Traders Targeting M’sia: Why We Must Act
A Call to Action
The Basel Action Network (BAN) and Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) are deeply concerned about the criticism of the Malaysian government’s courageous crackdown on illegal e-waste recycling operations that have sprung up throughout the country.
The Reality of E-Waste Recycling
We must be clear – these illegal operations are run by criminal syndicates looking to reap quick and maximum profits, extracting copper, gold, and other valuable materials from the scrap, exploiting the most low-cost and vulnerable labor force (often undocumented migrants), avoiding any form of pollution control costs, and then illegally dumping the toxic residual material at the lowest cost.
A Global Problem Requiring a Global Solution
China’s experience with e-waste recycling is a stark reminder of the risks associated with this industry. China’s air, water, and soil were rapidly becoming contaminated, with people falling sick and agricultural land being destroyed. The economic damage from this environmental harm far outweighed the economic returns. Unfortunately, China did not forbid its businessmen from moving the same dirty operations abroad, and they came in droves to Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Malaysia’s New Role in the Global E-Waste Trade
We have become the new destinations for toxic, problematic, difficult-to-recycle waste from all over the world, which history has proven will bring more negative consequences than positive value. We have taken over from China as the unwitting victims of this so-called "recycling" – which is, in fact, dumping by another name.
Kudos to Malaysia’s Enforcement Agencies
The environment department, customs department, police, immigration department, and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission deserve the highest accolades for their ongoing work in keeping the country safe from these waste crimes. All of these agencies are, in fact, ensuring that Malaysia meets its international obligations and implements a treaty that the global community enacted decades ago in 1989 – the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal.
Criticism and Misinformation
Within Malaysia, we are suddenly hearing from some very vocal players who have taken to the media to criticize the rule of law, the government, and especially the environment department. Their arguments are baseless and reveal either ignorance about the ugly economics of the global waste trade or an intention to be in league with those who perpetuate the dumping. Malaysian news outlets have been quoting an "expert" about e-waste policies, but based on his LinkedIn, he has experience in the media and hospitality industry and has been cited as the "founder" of an NGO. Another armchair critic began publishing a series of "expert opinions" on the issue this month, calling for the government to lift its ban on e-waste imports.
The Solution: Enforce International Laws and Regulations
We must not pretend to be experts and apologists for the waste traders that chose to collude with mafia-like operators, happy to sacrifice our environment and public health to make a quick profit. The consequences are serious – pollution from mismanaged e-waste can cause cancer, affect brain development, disturb endocrine systems, and cause birth defects. These effects are irreversible and will affect future generations. The Malaysian government is a regional leader in e-waste policy and should uphold the ban on the importation of e-waste.
Conclusion
As the world grapples with the challenges of e-waste, it is essential to recognize the importance of enforcing international laws and regulations. The Basel Convention is a vital tool in this fight, and Malaysia’s adherence to it is crucial. We must work together to create a more sustainable future, free from the negative impacts of e-waste.
FAQs
Q: What is the Basel Convention?
A: The Basel Convention is an international treaty aimed at reducing the transboundary movement of hazardous waste and its disposal.
Q: What is the significance of the Basel Convention for Malaysia?
A: Malaysia is a signatory to the Basel Convention, which means it is obligated to implement its provisions, including the ban on the importation of e-waste.
Q: Why is the importation of e-waste a problem?
A: The importation of e-waste can lead to environmental pollution, public health risks, and economic losses. It is also a violation of international law and undermines the global effort to reduce waste.
Q: What is the role of Malaysia’s government in addressing the e-waste issue?
A: The Malaysian government has the responsibility to enforce its laws and regulations, including the ban on e-waste imports, to protect the environment and public health. It must also work with international partners to address the global e-waste challenge.
Q: What can individuals do to reduce e-waste?
A: Individuals can reduce their e-waste by properly recycling and disposing of electronic waste, buying products with minimal packaging, and choosing sustainable options.