Imported e-waste contaminates Malaysia's land and lives
E-waste comprises discarded electronic devices like computers, televisions, mobile phones, and household appliances. These items often contain toxic substances including lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg). When improperly handled, these substances are released into the air, soil, and water.
The groups directly affected by these toxic materials are the workers at the dump sites. Studies have shown increased rates of respiratory issues, skin disorders, kidney damage, and even cancers in communities exposed to e-waste processing. Long-term exposure, particularly in children, can impair brain development and cause irreversible neurological damage.
But this does not stop here. These toxic materials remain in the soil and water for generations and become detrimental to the future of Malaysians. Crops can absorb these heavy metals from contaminated soil, leading to bioaccumulation in the food chain. Accumulation of the heavy metals can lead to genetic changes over generations, potentially leading to heritable traits.
Though these impacts on humans are only theoretical at present, research on microorganisms like the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans has shown that exposure to heavy metals can impact growth, reproduction, and immune responses in subsequent generations.
Why is Malaysia a dumping ground? When China – once the world's largest importer of e-waste – banned e-waste imports in 2018, many developed nations began redirecting their shipments to South-East Asia. Malaysia, with its lax enforcement and lower labour costs, quickly became a preferred destination.
Malaysia is a signatory of the Basel Convention that is aimed at preventing the dumping of hazardous waste in developing countries; thus we are obligated to manage hazardous and other wastes in an environmentally-sound manner and minimise transboundary movements (moving the waste out of our national jurisdiction).
The implications of unchecked e-waste imports extend far beyond today's health and environmental issues. Polluted ecosystems mean lower agricultural yields, contaminated food chains, and declining biodiversity. The economic cost of healthcare and environmental cleanup will burden future taxpayers. Moreover, Malaysia risks becoming synonymous with being a 'global landfill', which can tarnish our international image, harm tourism, and deter sustainable foreign investments.
The story on the syndicate of e-waste importers must be amplified and all sectors, not only the environmental and health sectors, should take action to create awareness and impose strict standards on the production and management of e-waste. For example, school teachers can educate pupils at a young age about e-waste. Policymakers must advocate strict regulations and monitoring of e-waste management. E-waste producers must apply and execute the best practices of e-waste management. Users and buyers of electrical products must be aware of the waste management practices of electrical brands and should choose the products from brands with long-term sustainable management.
The detrimental impacts may not be seen immediately, perhaps not even in the next five years, but they will surface eventually. In the short-term, Malaysia cannot be complacent. Actions and enforcement against illegal e-waste operations are urgently needed now. Authorities must improve surveillance at ports, increase transparency in licensing recyclers, and collaborate with international bodies to halt waste trafficking.
Public awareness campaigns are also crucial. Schools and universities play a vital role in educating and raising awareness from a young age. Consumers must be encouraged to recycle responsibly and demand that manufacturers adopt greener and more sustainable practices.
If Malaysians continue to ignore the crisis, our future generation will pay the price. The clock is ticking, and Malaysia's land and water are already suffering the damage: within just 30 to 50 years, what we now enjoy as fertile and life-sustaining resources may no longer exist.
The decision to protect our people and environment from the dangers of e-waste is not just an environmental issue, it is a moral, economic, and national survival issue. The time to act is now, before the damage becomes irreversible.
Have you spotted illegal e-waste dumping in your area?Send tips or photos to the Environment Department, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry through the eaduan.doe.gov.my portal and help protect Malaysia's future.
DR INTAN AZURA SHAHDAN
Senior lecturer
International Medical School
Management and Science University
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