By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, July 11 — Selangor aims to contribute 15 per cent of the overall e-waste collection in the country by 2026, via a special programme launched at the state level.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said Malaysia’s e-waste production is expected to reach 24.5 million units by 2025, equivalent to 285,000 metric tonnes, with Selangor being the largest contributor.
Despite this large figure, he said, the national e-waste collection rate stands at just 1 per cent.
“This is a concerning issue as globally, only 17.4 per cent of e-waste is reported to be recycled, disposed of sustainably, or managed via environmentally sound means,” he said in his speech at the launch of the Selangor E-Waste Programme at the State Secretariat building here today.
The programme aims to raise awareness of and promote recycling and better e-waste management.
Participants will be given a cash reward as incentive for recycling old devices.
A pilot project for the initiative will be implemented until December 31.
[caption id="attachment_363598" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari and state executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin hand over the e-waste collection box to state agency representatives, at the launch of the Selangor E-Waste Collection Programme at the State Secretariat building, Shah Alam, on July 11, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
With the ongoing shift to the fourth industrial revolution, Amirudin said the volume of e-waste is only expected to grow significantly.
He emphasised the importance of wise e-waste management, noting that Selangor’s population of seven million includes a significant number of working adults and students in higher learning institutions.
He pointed out that the use of electronic gadgets extends beyond adults to younger generations.
“E-waste management practices that are not environmentally friendly, such as open burning, cause environmental pollution, deterioration in water quality, and the release of hazardous gases like dioxins and furans.
“Environmental pollution can pose serious health problems, including cancer, kidney problems, respiratory issues and stunted growth in children,” he said.
The Selangor E-Waste Programme is held in collaboration with certified e-waste collectors, ERTH and Maxis Bhd, to provide a door-to-door service to those interested in disposing of their electronic devices.
The public can visit the website to apply for the service. A representative from ERTH will contact users via WhatsApp to make further arrangements.
