The Malicious Narrative Of E Waste Dumping In Malaysia

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From Michael Soh
The prevailing perception that Malaysia serves as a “dumping ground” for e-waste is not only misleading but also driven by a malicious intent to demonise the industry and obscure the real economic and environmental dynamics at play.
The term “dumping” implies that foreign entities irresponsibly discard electronic waste in Malaysia without consent or compensation, as if the country were an open landfill for global refuse. However, this narrative falls apart when scrutinised.
In reality, Malaysian businesses actively purchase e-waste at premium prices, often competing in global markets to secure shipments of discarded electronics.
These businesses do not receive waste as an unwanted burden; rather, they pay good money to acquire these materials because they recognize their immense value.
Far from being a liability, e-waste contains precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, palladium and copper, which can be extracted and refined for substantial profit.
If this were truly about “dumping,” why would Malaysian companies invest heavily in securing and transporting these materials?
Why would they pay top ringgit to ensure the e-waste reaches their processing facilities rather than being confiscated by the authorities?
The fact that businesses willingly pay for international shipping costs, customs clearance and additional “fees” to ensure safe passage suggests that this is not waste disposal but rather a highly lucrative industry centred on material recovery.
The real issue lies in the hidden economic interests of those who seek to maintain the perception of illegal dumping.
If e-waste processing were legitimised and properly regulated, Malaysia could harness billions in potential revenue.
Instead, the false “dumping ground” narrative is often weaponised by those who benefit from backdoor dealings and regulatory loopholes—corrupt individuals within enforcement agencies, customs and environmental bodies who stand to gain from under-the-table payments in exchange for allowing shipments through or seizing them for personal gain.
This misinformation campaign has severe consequences. By criminalising the industry rather than regulating it, the Malaysian government inadvertently forces processing plants to operate in the shadows.
Instead of being able to establish safe, environmentally compliant recycling operations, these plants are pushed into secrecy, where oversight is limited and hazardous waste disposal becomes an uncontrolled risk.
Ironically, the very policies meant to protect the environment end up increasing pollution and toxicity in Malaysian soil and water.
If Malaysia is to move forward, it must abandon the propaganda of e-waste dumping and recognise the industry for what it truly is: a high-value economic sector that, when properly managed, can generate jobs, investment, and tax revenue while mitigating environmental risks.
Instead of criminalising e-waste recycling, Malaysia should focus on implementing robust, transparent regulations that allow the industry to thrive while ensuring that hazardous byproducts are managed safely. - FMT
Michael Soh is a FMT reader.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

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