In Malaysia, laws and regulations such as the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005, the National Solid Waste Management Act 2007 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 have been enforced for some time, with various measures being taken over the years to ensure compliance. For example, in 2021, the Department of Environment conducted a series of enforcement operations in several states to monitor the handling and disposal of scheduled wastes, including e-waste such as television, air conditioner, computer, mobile phone etc. These operations resulted in several premises being issued with notices for non-compliance and fines for violating the regulations. Furthermore, in 2022, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission launched a voluntary certification scheme for electronic communication equipment complying with the Commission standards. The scheme is intended to promote the use of longer-lasting and repairable electronic devices, and to reduce the amount of e-waste being generated.
The Malaysian government has recognized the need for sustainable e-waste management and has implemented several initiatives to address the issue. The National Strategic Plan for Solid Waste Management (2018-2030) outlines the government commitment to promote sustainable waste management practices, including the management of e-waste. One of the key initiatives is the promotion of e-waste collection and recycling systems throughout the country. This includes the establishment of e-waste collection centres and the implementation of EPR schemes. The plan also encourages the development of the e-waste recycling industry in Malaysia. In so doing, the government hopes to promote a circular economy where valuable resources are recovered from e-waste rather than being lost. Awareness and education on e-waste management is another important aspect of the plan.
One challenge in Malaysia is the prevalence of informal e-waste recycling activities. Many informal workers dismantle e-waste without proper protective equipment or environmental controls. There is also a lack of infrastructure for e-waste collection and recycling. The National Strategic Plan for Solid Waste Management sets targets for e-waste management that will guide efforts to that end in Malaysia.
