(Kuala Lumpur, 15th) The increasing use of electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and household appliances has led to e-waste management becoming an increasingly global concern.
If not systematically managed, discarded electronic and electrical equipment containing various chemicals and heavy metals may pollute the environment and pose long-term health risks.
In our country, awareness of e-waste management has been strengthened through various policies and public education programs. However, experts emphasize that public participation is crucial in ensuring the safe disposal of waste.
Although the amount of e-waste in Negeri Sembilan has not shown significant growth in recent years, the public is urged to remain vigilant. Improper disposal of e-waste will impact health and the environment.
Prof. Dr. Mohamad Ikhmar Nijam from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia said that e-waste contains heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, as well as harmful chemicals such as brominated flame retardants. If processed without proper controls, they can threaten soil, water, and humans.
"Heavy metals will accumulate and alter the chemical structure of the soil, thereby reducing soil fertility and affecting soil microbes... The leaching process will cause toxic substances to seep into groundwater and river systems."
"Long-term exposure to these toxic substances may also lead to neurological diseases, kidney damage, developmental problems in children, and increased cancer risk... However, these effects are long-term and cumulative... and do not appear immediately."
Mohamad Ikhmar Nijam is a lecturer in physics who researches semiconductor materials, bioplastics, and advanced materials. He recently told Bernama that lead can affect the nervous system and accumulates in plants before entering the food chain, while mercury can transform into methylmercury in water—a highly toxic form that easily enters the aquatic food chain.
He pointed out that open burning of e-waste produces toxic substances such as dioxins, furans, acidic gases, and fine particles. These substances may not only cause respiratory diseases but also interfere with the immune system.
He mentioned that groups most susceptible to the impact of e-waste include informal recycling workers, children, pregnant women, and residents living near landfill sites.
He said that if improper disposal occurs, pollution risk may increase as Negeri Sembilan has industrial zones, landfills, and water sources such as rivers and reservoirs.
"If e-waste is processed informally, groundwater contamination will worsen, affecting agriculture and water supply and increasing the burden on public health."
He also noted that, generally, heavy metal pollution is difficult to remediate, and the cost of remediation is extremely high.
Since February 4th this year, our country has completely banned the import of e-waste, with e-waste listed as an absolutely prohibited category in the 2023 Customs (Import Ban) Order.
Negeri Sembilan Environmental Department Director Abdul Aziz said that Negeri Sembilan recorded 11.1 tons of e-waste in 2024, a decrease compared to last year's 9.6 tons. As of February, 27 kilograms of e-waste had been recorded, with mobile phones accounting for the majority.
He pointed out that according to records, the amount of e-waste has not increased significantly in the past five years, and public awareness continues to be enhanced through various communication, education, and public awareness activities.
"The public must manage this waste sustainably, sort e-waste instead of discarding it as household waste... It should be sent to registered recycling centers."
Abdul Aziz also said that from last year to now, the environmental department has not received any complaints about illegal e-waste disposal but has taken enforcement action, citing the Environmental Quality Act 1974, against two illegal factories engaged in e-waste processing activities in Senawang and Nilai.