KUALA LUMPUR: Only one per cent of the estimated 285,000 metric tons of scheduled electronic waste (e-waste) produced domestically has been collected and disposed of sustainably so far.
This was revealed by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who explained that the total e-waste comprised 24.5 million units of electrical and electronic goods (E&E).
Speaking at the launch of the Jom e-Waste Carnival, Nik Nazmi acknowledged that the situation was concerning, driven by the average individual producing 7.6 kg of e-waste, as projected by the United Nations (UN) in 2021.
He said e-waste pollution has emerged as a major global issue, particularly due to improper disposal and its effects on human health and the environment.
"To establish a holistic e-waste management system in the country, the government has developed an e-waste management mechanism from users that adopts the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Shared Responsibility.
"This involves joint responsibilities among producers, importers, users, registered collection centres with the Department of Environment (DOE), and licensed e-waste recovery centres.
"The government is also actively conducting engagement sessions with all stakeholders to ensure they are prepared when this mechanism is legislated in the future," he said today.
The Jom e-Waste Carnival coincides with International E-Waste Day, celebrated every Oct 14, and was also attended by DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latif Wan Jaafar.
Nik Nazmi said the ministry is currently working to ensure the circular economy in e-waste management operates smoothly and successfully.
As of now, 251 registered e-waste collection centres and 64 recovery facilities have been established.
He aims to increase the number of e-waste collection centres in community areas to make it easier for local residents to dispose of their e-waste, thereby promoting environmentally friendly management.
"An E-Waste Collection Day initiative is held on the last Saturday of every month to raise public awareness about the importance of sustainable and environmentally friendly e-waste management.
"I am confident that all industry players, corporate bodies, and the private sector will continue to commit alongside the government to achieve the indicators set under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
"The government sees positive developments as more companies in Malaysia are now seriously considering environmental care, social aspects, and governance in their business operations to remain competitive internationally," he said.
Meanwhile, Nik Nazmi said Malaysia is still used as a 'dumping ground' and transit point for scheduled e-waste from foreign countries, with this issue being an ongoing challenge for the ministry.
As of September, 42 unlicensed e-waste factories had been identified, with eight already closed, while 22 are under investigation and 34 premises are still operating.
Regarding control over the importation of e-waste at the country's entry points, 436 containers were detained between 2020 and this year, including 88 containers in 2020; 76 in 2021; 30 in 2022; 47 in 2023; and 195 in 2024.
Efforts to combat this issue are in line with the Basel Convention, as all cross-border movements of scheduled waste materials must receive prior approval before any transit, shipping, import, and export activities can take place.
"We are also collaborating with foreign non-governmental organisations that provide information about vessels leaving foreign ports, in addition to working closely with the police, Customs Department and other authorities.
"Fortunately, we have intensified these efforts, and at the Customs Department level, they are increasing inspections, which will facilitate our efforts to address this issue.
"We are also discussing with the Finance Ministry to strengthen the DOE so that it is more empowered to face this ongoing issue," he added.