By Dr Haidy Henry Dusim

Introduction

The rapid advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become a cornerstone of economic growth worldwide. In Malaysia, ICT plays a critical role in the nation's development, particularly through the burgeoning digital economy. However, alongside the economic benefits of digitalisation, there is an urgent need to address the growing challenge of managing electronic waste (e-waste).

Digital Economy: A Double-Edged Sword

Since the launch of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) in 1996, Malaysia has made significant strides in digitalisation. This initiative laid the groundwork for e-Government services, making public administration more efficient and accessible.

Today, the digital economy contributes a substantial 23.2 per cent to Malaysia’s GDP, with the government heavily investing in digital infrastructure through initiatives like the MyDIGITAL Blueprint.

The digital economy in Malaysia covers a broad spectrum of subjects, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, e-commerce, fintech and other emerging fields. These technologies are not only revolutionising how businesses operate but also connecting and engaging with all relevant stakeholders – industry, government and society alike.

However, as digital technologies become more integrated into daily life, from remote work to cashless transactions, the demand for electronic devices has surged. Unfortunately, this has led to a sharp increase in e-waste, with many consumers eager to upgrade to the latest gadgets.

The E-Waste Challenge

Malaysia’s digital growth has a downside: a mounting e-waste problem. By 2025, the country is projected to generate approximately 24.5 million units of e-waste. This staggering amount is equivalent in mass to 82 Petronas Twin Towers.

In Malaysia, e-waste is classified as Scheduled Wastes under the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005, with only six items – mobile phones, computers, televisions, air-conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines – falling under this category. Despite this limited definition, the problem is vast. For example, Sabah alone collected over 191,000 kilogrammes of e-waste between 2016 and 2022.

Environmental and Health Risks

The improper disposal of e-waste is not just a logistical issue; it poses serious environmental and health risks. Electronic devices often contain hazardous substances like lead, mercury and brominated flame retardants.

If e-waste is thrown into rivers, dumped in landfills, incinerated or processed in informal sectors, these toxic materials can contaminate soil and water, endangering both the environment and public health.

Emerging Technologies and the E-Waste Burden

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) is further contributing to the e-waste problem. AI-driven technologies require substantial computing power, leading to a frequent turnover of short-lived hardware.

For instance, Bitcoin mining – a process heavily reliant on AI – consumes significant energy and generates vast amounts of e-waste as miners continuously replace obsolete hardware to stay competitive.

Similarly, the adoption of EVs in Malaysia, driven by brands like Tesla and BYD, is on the rise. These vehicles use Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs), which, after six to 10 years of use, reach the end of their life cycles. The question remains: where do these spent LIBs go? If not properly managed, these batteries, along with millions from other electronic devices like smartphones and laptops, could end up in landfills, posing significant environmental hazards.

Even the deployment of advanced technologies like Starlink, which brings internet access to remote areas through a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites, contributes to the e-waste challenge. The hardware associated with these technologies, from user terminals to satellites themselves, eventually reaches the end of its useful life and must be responsibly managed to prevent further environmental degradation.

From Linear to Circular Economy: A Paradigm Shift

To address the e-waste challenge, Malaysia must move away from a linear economy, where raw materials are mined, processed into products, and discarded after use. This approach leads to a cycle of consumption and waste, contributing to environmental degradation. Instead, Malaysia should embrace a circular economy, which emphasises closing the loop on material use.

In a circular economy, the life cycle of products is extended through practices like designing for durability, promoting reuse, and enhancing recycling efforts.

For example, instead of discarding a mobile phone after a couple of years, consumers could trade it in for refurbishing or recycling, ensuring valuable materials like gold and copper are recovered and reused. This not only reduces waste but also mitigates the demand for raw materials, lessening the environmental impact.

Strengthening the Regulatory Framework

A strong regulatory framework is essential for tackling Malaysia’s e-waste challenge. The Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007, although only applicable in Peninsular Malaysia, provides important guidelines for waste disposal and recycling.

In Sabah, the recently enacted Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Enactment 2022 offers a localised approach to managing e-waste.

The National Circular Economy Council (NCEC) is also pushing for legislative changes to ensure effective waste management across the nation. Strengthening these laws is crucial for increasing recycling rates and minimising the environmental impact of e-waste.

Conclusion

As Malaysia continues to pursue its digital ambitions across various sectors, including AI, blockchain, e-commerce and fintech, a proactive approach to e-waste management is necessary.

By transitioning from a linear to a circular economy, and by addressing the growing e-waste from emerging technologies like AI and EVs, Malaysia can better manage its e-waste, recover valuable materials, and promote sustainability while fostering continued digital growth.

-- BERNAMA

Dr Haidy Henry Dusim is a senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sabah