A Proper System To Manage E Waste Is Both Profitable And Sustainable

---

 
From Michael Soh
Malaysia’s stance on e-waste is riddled with contradictions.
The government often justifies the ban on the import of e-waste by claiming it protects the environment and prevents the country from becoming a dumping ground for hazardous materials.
While this concern seems valid, it exposes a deeper issue: the very harm we fear imported e-waste will cause is already happening with Malaysia’s domestic e-waste.
Unregulated dumping of local e-waste leads to toxic chemicals contaminating our soil, rivers, and even the food we eat.
The damage we associate with foreign waste is already a reality here, largely due to poor management practices and a lack of effective recycling systems.
If we cannot sustainably handle the e-waste generated within Malaysia, then banning imports does nothing to solve the root problem.
Instead of addressing the issue holistically, we have turned a blind eye to the mishandling of local e-waste while fixated on imported waste.
The truth is simple: if Malaysia adopts proper systems to recycle and process e-waste, it should be profitable and sustainable. If we fail to do so, then no matter what policies we enact, our citizens will bear the brunt of the environmental damage.
Profit drives recycling
Like any other business, e-waste recycling can thrive as long as it is profitable. Otherwise, it will be neglected, and e-waste will continue to pile up in landfills, leaching harmful chemicals into the environment.
On the other hand, if recycling is profitable, it becomes a self-sustaining industry.The existence of illegal e-waste operators in Malaysia proves that there is profit in recycling.
At one point, it was reported that approximately 300 illegal operators were active in Johor and 200 in Selangor alone, leaving billions that could otherwise have been collected as tax revenue.
These unlicensed operations thrive because they extract valuable materials like gold, silver, copper, and rare earth metals from e-waste.
However, they do so at the expense of the environment and public health, leaving behind toxic waste and evading regulation through corruption and bribery.
This highlights a crucial reality: the issue is not that e-waste recycling lacks profitability — it’s that the profits are being siphoned off by unregulated and illegal operations.
Malaysia has an opportunity to channel this potential into a legal and sustainable industry that aligns with both environmental and economic goals.
A science-driven solution for Malaysia
To break free from this cycle of corruption and environmental degradation, Malaysia needs a structured, science-based approach to e-waste management. Here’s how the country can transform the industry:
Invest in green technology: Malaysia must prioritise the establishment of 100% green e-waste processing plants. These facilities use advanced technologies to extract valuable materials without producing harmful waste, chemical discharges, or smoke. This approach ensures environmental protection while unlocking the economic potential of e-waste.Legalise and regulate e-waste imports: Banning e-waste imports creates a black market that fuels corruption and illegal activities. Instead, Malaysia should legalise imports under strict regulations that mandate the use of green processing technologies. A licensing system can ensure that only operators who comply with environmental and safety standards are allowed to process e-waste.Encourage public-private partnerships: By partnering with private companies, the government can leverage expertise and funding to establish world-class recycling facilities. Public-private partnerships can also help ensure transparency and accountability in the industry.Create awareness and incentives: Malaysians need to understand the value of e-waste recycling and its benefits for the environment and the economy. Incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, or buyback programmes can encourage individuals and businesses to recycle e-waste responsibly.Tackle corruption through transparency: corruption is a major barrier to effective e-waste management in Malaysia. Independent oversight bodies should be established to monitor the industry, ensuring that regulations are followed and illegal operators are held accountable. Transparency in licensing, monitoring, and enforcement is crucial to building public trust.A capitalist opportunity for Malaysia
Malaysia has the potential to become a leader in sustainable e-waste management, but only if it embraces a pragmatic and science-driven approach.
The contradictions in our current policies — banning imports while neglecting domestic e-waste mismanagement — must be addressed head-on.
What we fear imported e-waste might do to Malaysia’s environment is already happening due to our own domestic practices. In a capitalist system, industries must be profitable to thrive. The same principle applies to e-waste recycling.
Properly regulated and scientifically managed, e-waste can become a lucrative industry that not only drives economic growth but also protects the environment.
The very existence of illegal operators shows that there is profit in this industry. The challenge now is to legalise, regulate, and channel that profit into a sustainable and transparent system.
By investing in green technology, embracing capitalism, and eradicating corruption, Malaysia can turn e-waste from a liability into a valuable asset.
The future of the nation depends on whether we act boldly to reform or continue perpetuating the problems of the past. - FMT
Michael Soh is an FMT reader.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

---