A new regulation requiring electronic manufacturers and retailers to take back discarded products they have sold to the public for recycling is being considered.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Embas said the regulation was in the discussion stage and feedback from the private sector was sought.
“We have to have a collect-back, recycling regulation that is acceptable and workable. The emphasis is on workable. The industry has to be consulted on this,” Uggah told reporters here after launching an e-waste programme yesterday.
Asked when the regulation could be introduced, Uggah said the ministry had not set a time frame.
“All I can say is we want it ready as soon as possible,” he said.
Asked about possible resistance from the private sector on the regulation due to added cost, Uggah said he felt the private sector in Malaysia was relatively “well educated”.
He cited the no-plastic campaign initiative of some retailers.
“Some of them have already started collecting centres by themselves, under their own corporate social responsibility efforts. The momentum is building.”
On other challenges, Uggah said the smuggling of waste containing precious metals into Malaysia was still a concern.
“I think that has lessened. But if you remember, a few years ago, we found a lot of smuggling. The electronic waste is booming. In India, the volume increased by 500% in recent years.”
Uggah said waste was becoming more valuable, with progress on recycling techniques. One tonne of computer chips, he added, contained about 225 grams of gold.
“You can understand why electronic waste smuggling happens. On the other hand, I hope local entrepreneurs will take up the challenge of making more money from waste.”
