LETTERS: Some estimates suggest that Malaysia generates an astonishing 365,000 tonnes of e-waste a year, surpassing the weight of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
Malaysia's definition of e-waste encompasses six items: mobile phones, computers, televisions, air-conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines.
If e-waste is disposed of improperly, such as being thrown into rivers or landfills, incinerated or sent to informal sectors, they pose a significant risk to human health and environmental degradation.
Research indicates that Malaysia is expected to produce approximately 24.5 million units of e-waste by 2025. The 12th Malaysia Plan aims to achieve a 40 per cent recycling rate by next year.
In 2020, Malaysia's recycling rate was approximated to be 36.67 per cent, which lags behind Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea at 59 per cent, 60 per cent and 49 per cent, respectively.
Inadequate e-waste disposal in Malaysia, as is the case in many other nations, yields substantial detrimental effects on the environment and the health of the population.
First, the toxic components in e-waste can enter the food chain through polluted water used to irrigate crops. These toxins will then bioaccumulate in animals and people.
Second, the improper dismantling or recovery of valuable materials from e-waste, such as open burning and acid baths, will expose the environment to toxic substances.
Third, workers involved in the improper disposal of e-waste face serious health and work-related risks. The long-term effects of exposure include lead poisoning, neurological disorders and issues with reproduction.
Inhaling these harmful substances can cause breathing difficulties, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems in the surrounding communities.
Fourth, toxic chemicals from e-waste have the potential to leak into groundwater, contaminating sources of drinking water and posing a direct threat to public health.
Fifth, materials like gold, silver, copper and rare earth elements can be found in e-waste. Poor disposal methods results in the loss of these resources, leading to the need to mine more of these materials. Mining is notoriously polluting to the environment.
Lastly, insufficient regulation and enforcement can facilitate the continuation of illegal dumping and informal recycling practices, exacerbating the e-waste problem.
Malaysia has to improve its e-waste management procedures through the introduction of rules and programmes that support ethical recycling and disposal.
A sustainable solution must include formal recycling infrastructure, effective regulation and public awareness campaigns.
DR RULIA AKHTAR
Research Fellow,
Ungku Aziz Centre for
Development Studies,
Universiti Malaya
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times