Consumers, manufacturers key to enforcing EV battery recycling

The Star

02-06-2025

PETALING JAYA: The government's plans to push for the recycling of depleted electric vehicles (EVs) batteries must be enforced among both manufacturers and consumers to be environmentally sustainable, say environmental groups.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia president Meenakshi Raman said manufacturers or importers of EVs must be legally required to collect back the same number of EV batteries as the vehicles they sell or bring into Malaysia.
'Failure to do so should result in fines or legal penalties. Companies that design longer- lasting or easier-to-recycle batteries should be rewarded with tax incentives.
'There must also be clear guidelines, good enforcement and proper facilities in place because used batteries could end up being dumped or handled in unsafe ways, causing harm to the environment and public health.
'Only licensed certified companies should be allowed to handle used EV batteries,' said Meenakshi.
She also urged the government to invest in propping up local recycling facilities and the development of an EV battery passport initiative that would track key battery information such as composition, origin, usage history and recyclability.
'An EV battery passport system will allow for better resource management as this makes it easier to identify which batteries can be reused, repurposed or need to be safely dismantled.
'Grants or tax breaks should be given to companies that invest in recycling technology or use recycled materials.
'The government should also consider supporting second-life uses for EV batteries such as repurposing them for solar energy storage before they are fully recycled, extending each battery's life and reducing waste,' she added.
Environment Protection Society of Malaysia vice-president Randolph Jeremiah said manufacturers must be legally mandated to take responsibility for the safe disposal or recycling of EV batteries.
'Manufacturers must be made to establish their own recycling facilities, either domestically or in their country of origin or partner with local specialised recyclers.
'Extra tax benefits could be offered for those that invest in their own local recycling infrastructure as it strengthens Mal­aysia's circular economy ecosystem, allowing for the prevention and better handling of other environmental issues in the long run.
'Consumers must also be legally mandated to return used batteries to designated collection points for a cost, creating a closed-loop ecosystem where fiscal and environmental responsibility is shared by both consumers and manufacturers.
'This model would ensure long-term economic and environmental viability while preventing potential crises from inadequate recycling capacity,' he added.
EcoKnights president Amlir Ayat proposed that a dedicated task force be set up to oversee this issue, particularly related to the disposal of EV battery waste that cannot be recycled.
'Any policy on EV battery recycling must be concrete, with continuous monitoring and enforcement being diligently conducted to ensure there are no potential legal or management loopholes which could lead to toxic waste management under the guise of recycling.
'The critical part now is securing the commitment from all parties, particularly the producers and consumers, through clear communication to avoid any such risks which may lead to disastrous consequences,' he said.
He also urged the ministry to continue gathering public feedback on the matter.