Malaysia’s DOE Calls for State Action as E-Waste Surge Strains Enforcement Capabilities

As Malaysia witnesses a steady surge in electronic waste (e-waste), the country’s Department of Environment (DOE) is urging state governments to intensify enforcement against illegal e-waste dumping and unlicensed recycling factories, warning of escalating health and environmental threats.

From January 2021 to June 2025, licensed facilities across Malaysia processed a total of 536,709 metric tonnes of e-waste, reflecting the nation’s growing reliance on digital devices, according to DOE Director-General Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar.

“If e-waste is not properly managed and is disposed of indiscriminately, it can have serious implications for human health and the environment,” he said during a media briefing on Thursday.

To tackle this mounting issue, the DOE has expanded the number of licensed e-waste recovery facilities to 128 and launched nationwide awareness campaigns. Special enforcement operations, such as “Ops Hazard,” have been rolled out to crack down on unlicensed handlers.

However, the Director-General emphasized that federal efforts alone are insufficient. He called on state governments, local councils, and land offices to take proactive steps in shutting down illegal waste operations before irreversible damage occurs.

“These operations should be shut down early, not after pollution has already occurred. The same applies to illegal dumpsites that catch fire,” he stressed.

The DOE also faces an acute manpower shortage, with only 1,113 officers available nationwide to monitor a wide range of environmental issues, from air quality to hazardous waste. Wan Abdul Latiff confirmed that a proposal has been formally submitted to the Public Services Department to create up to 3,000 new enforcement roles.

In Malaysia, many illegal factories continue to operate in remote areas, often evading inspection until tipped off by local communities or other agencies. A recent multi-agency raid revealed that 90% of the 122 facilities targeted were found to be operating without proper licenses.

Environmental advocacy groups have welcomed the DOE’s efforts. Observers note, however, that sustained progress will likely depend on deeper inter-agency collaboration, tougher penalties for repeat violators, and more transparent reporting mechanisms.

As e-waste volumes rise across Southeast Asia, Malaysia’s situation highlights a broader regional challenge: balancing digital transformation with effective, lawful waste management.

Source: Malay Mail