Greed driving illegal e-waste recycling activities, says DoE

New Straits Times

27-05-2025

ALOR STAR: Greed is the main driving force behind the surge in illegal electronic waste recycling activities across the country, according to the Department of Environment (DoE).
Kedah DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said syndicates are willing to risk arrest due to the substantial profits generated from such unlawful operations.
"We believe these syndicates are making significant profits from illegal e-waste recycling, fully aware that their actions are against the law.
"This explains why illegal recycling activities persist, despite intensive crackdowns since last year," she told reporters after opening the Environmental Management and Compliance Seminar here today.
Sharifah Zakiah said many of these illicit operations are carried out in remote areas, including oil palm plantations, to avoid detection.
In some instances, she added, licensed recycling facilities are being used as fronts for these illegal activities.
"This is why the public plays a crucial role in reporting any suspicious activities. In fact, several of our recent raids were prompted by public tip-offs after residents noticed the foul stench of burning e-waste," she said.
Sharifah Zakiah issued a warning to those involved, highlighting the stiffer penalties under the amended Environmental Quality Act 1974, which came into force in July last year.
The amendment raises the maximum fine to RM10 million, along with mandatory imprisonment of up to five years.
In addition to targeting illegal e-waste recycling, Sharifah Zakiah said the Kedah DoE was intensifying efforts to tackle the unlawful disposal of scheduled industrial waste.
She reminded industry players that they are subject to audits concerning their management of scheduled waste.
"We will be inspecting companies that have failed to update their scheduled waste records, including those related to e-waste, based on lists provided by our headquarters," she said.
Sharifah Zakiah also urged potential investors to engage with the DoE and Kedah Invest when selecting business sites to ensure suitability and full compliance with environmental regulations.
The seminar saw the participation of 430 people and exhibitors and was jointly organised by the Kedah DoE and the Kedah Environment Club.
"We invited experts and companies involved in industrial waste management from across the country to share their knowledge with industry players in Kedah.