Bukit Aman’s massive raid nets RM410m in smuggled goods and e-waste from Jan 1 to Sept 14

Dear Editor,

I write in response to your recent article "Bukit Aman’s massive raid nets RM410m in smuggled goods and e-waste from Jan 1 to Sept 14"

Firstly, kudos to PDRM on their fast and decisive action on these illegal e-waste processing factories. Well done!
A Greener Malaysia (AGM) is in agreement with the points highlighted on the need to raise awareness and promote sustainable vape-waste management.

On this issue, AGM is urging the Malaysian government to seriously consider a possible solution on the issue of illegal e-waste processing factories by exploring green e-waste processing technology and how the circular economy can transform the electronics industry by reducing e-waste through reuse and refurbishment.

The reality of Malaysia's situation is that the profit from processing e-waste is simply too lucrative and these criminals will continue to play cat and mouse games with the authorities.

In this respect we can draw a parallel with how Portugal decriminalized drug use in 2001'and brought the situation under control with government supervision.

As the global demand for electronic devices continues to rise, so does the volume of discarded electronics, creating a pressing environmental challenge. The circular economy offers a promising solution by extending the lifecycle of products and minimizing waste, turning what is considered trash into valuable resources.

The fact that legal e-waste processing factories fail to comply with the Environmental Quality Act, 1974 and hundreds of illegal e-waste factories are currently operating in Malaysia raises concerns about the effectiveness of our regulatory system. This suggests that something might be amiss, potentially indicating a tolerance for these illegal activities, or as MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said recently in the news - "misuse of power and corruption".

Thus it is crucial that Malaysia support the establishment of legitimate green e-waste recycling facilities. Without a proper legal framework, toxic e-waste will inevitably seep into our air, soil and water, eventually contaminating our food chain.

To prevent this, Malaysia must re-look its stand on the outdated 30 year old Basel treaty and create a framework that allows green e-waste plants to operate effectively. This includes permitting the import of e-waste into centralized industrial parks that are adequately guarded and monitored by the relevant enforcement authorities.

The economic advantages of legalizing and monitoring proper green e-waste processing are substantial. The potential for job creation within the green technology sector, opportunities for technology transfer and the economic uplift from licensing and taxation will foster the development of a new industry centered on sustainability.

With advancements in green technology the remnants from processing e-waste can be turned into bricks and tiles for the construction industry, reducing depletion of our natural resources instead of being incinerated.

Without a sufficient volume of e-waste to process, these green facilities cannot survive. It is imperative that Malaysia take action to ensure that legitimate e-waste processing is both viable and sustainable.

Thank you

Dave Avran
Founder
A Greener Malaysia