PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia tackles electronic waste (e-waste) lawfully by placing it under "Absolute Probihition", the same efforts must be done to address unsafe informal recycling practices, says Alliance for a Safe Community.
Its chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said many households still unknowingly pass e-waste to unregulated collectors, leading to backyard recycling that exposes communities to toxic substances such as lead and mercury.
“Stronger regulation, licensing, and monitoring of collectors are critical to prevent these hidden environmental and health risks,” he said in a statement issued on Feb 12.
Lee applauded Malaysia’s recent decision to place e-waste under Absolute Prohibition marks a major turning point in environmental enforcement which closed loopholes that allowed conditional imports of such waste into the country’s shore.
“The government has sent a strong signal that the country will no longer tolerate being a dumping ground for global electronic waste.
“However, sustained success depends on consistent enforcement, particularly at ports, borders, and against illegal smelting and misdeclaration practices. Beyond technology and inspections, this requires integrity, coordination, and accountability across enforcement agencies,” he added.
Lee, however, stressed that education is equally important, adding that public confusion about proper e-waste disposal remains widespread.
He said awareness and utilisation of e-waste centres remain low even though there are over 150 registered collection centres nationwide under the Environment Department.
“Education must therefore move beyond one-off campaigns to sustained, practical guidance on safe disposal pathways,” he said.
Lee also proposed that schools can play a transformative role by embedding environmental responsibility into daily learning by positioning the institutions as e-waste collection hubs.
Such a proposal, he said not only improves accessibility but also cultivates early civic responsibility, teaching students that electronic devices contain both valuable resources and hazardous materials that require careful handling.
“Ultimately, effective e-waste management rests on strong enforcement to deter abuse and education to change behaviour and attitude. Together, these pillars can protect public health, safeguard the environment, and ensure that Malaysia’s digital progress does not come at the expense of future generations.
“A safe community is not merely one free from crime; it is one where the air; soil and water are protected for future generations.
“Malaysia’s progress must be measured not just by technological adoption, but by a collective compassion for the environment and commitment to the public good. The time for such action is now,” he stressed.
On Feb 4, Malaysian-Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the importing of e-waste has been placed under the Absolute Prohibition category with immediate effect, the move is aimed at tightening controls on the entry of hazardous waste and safeguarding the environment.
Previously, e-waste was listed under Conditional Prohibition, where the DOE director-general had discretionary powers to grant exemptions subject to specific conditions. This provision was provided for under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
