Name: Multi-Stakeholder Meeting on Environmentally Sound Management of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the E-Waste Sector in Malaysia
Start: 2024-11-11T00:00:00+0900

11 November 2024

On 11 November 2024, a multistakeholder workshop on the environmentally sound management of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the e-waste sector was successfully held at Le Meridien Hotel, IOI City Mall, Putrajaya, Malaysia. The workshop was part of a pilot project on Assessment of Capacity for the Management of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Electronic Waste (E-waste): A Case Study of Malaysia and Thailand implemented by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), in collaboration with the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat (BRS Secretariat) and national agencies in Malaysia and Thailand.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, businesses, academia, and civil society organizations, to address challenges and explore innovative solutions for managing POPs in e-waste in Malaysia. A delegation from Thailand, including representatives from the Pollution Control Department (PCD), academic institutions, and research organizations, also participated, sharing insights and experiences from Thailand’s e-waste management practices. Their contributions enriched the discussions and provided valuable regional perspectives on addressing POPs in e-waste.

Background

The management of electronic waste (e-waste) has emerged as a critical global environmental challenge, driven by the rapid growth in the consumption of electronic devices and the corresponding increase in the disposal of obsolete electronics. E-waste contains a range of hazardous substances, among which Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are particularly concerning due to their toxic, persistent, and bioaccumulative nature. These substances include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, furans, and various brominated flame retardants, all of which resist degradation in the environment and pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems.

POPs are commonly found in various components of e-waste, such as printed circuit boards, cables, internal wiring, plastic casings, and older display technologies like cathode ray tubes (CRTs). When e-waste is improperly handled, such as through informal recycling, open burning, or substandard disposal methods, these hazardous chemicals are released into the environment, contaminating air, water, and soil. This contamination results in far-reaching consequences, including increased public health risks such as respiratory diseases, cancers, and developmental issues, along with significant ecosystem degradation. Moreover, the transboundary nature of e-waste exacerbates the problem, as it often crosses borders into countries with inadequate infrastructure for safe recycling, creating international environmental and health challenges.

Addressing the management of POPs within e-waste is thus not only a national concern but also a regional and global imperative. In Southeast Asia, Malaysia and Thailand have emerged as significant players in the e-waste management landscape due to their rapid economic growth, urbanization, and technological adoption, which have fueled a substantial increase in electronic consumption and, consequently, e-waste generation. Malaysia, in particular, faces urgent challenges in managing its growing volumes of e-waste, especially in ensuring the environmentally sound handling of POP-containing materials.

While both Malaysia and Thailand have made notable strides in establishing recycling industries and environmental regulations, significant gaps remain in the effective handling, treatment, and disposal of e-waste containing POPs. Challenges include limited infrastructure, informal sector involvement, and insufficient enforcement of existing regulations. There is also a pressing need for public awareness and advanced recycling technologies capable of safely managing POPs.

To address these pressing issues, the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), in collaboration with the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat (BRS Secretariat) and national agencies, has launched a pilot project in Malaysia and Thailand. This initiative aims to build capacity and understanding of POPs in e-waste management through comprehensive assessments, targeted training programs, and the development of actionable case studies. The project aligns with the goals of environmental protection, public health preservation, and sustainable development, serving as a model for other countries in the region and beyond.

Intent

The intent of this session is to provide a comprehensive platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. It seeks to align national efforts with global standards for managing POPs in e-waste, emphasizing Malaysia’s potential to lead by example in tackling this critical issue. By bringing together policymakers, industry representatives, academics, and civil society organizations, the session aims to foster dialogue and develop actionable solutions for the environmentally sound management of POPs in e-waste. Through a series of expert presentations, interactive discussions, and collaborative exercises, the session will establish a roadmap for improving e-waste management practices while safeguarding human health and ecosystems from the harmful effects of POPs. The session is structured to achieve the following objectives:

To assess Malaysia’s e-waste management landscape and evaluate its implications for POPs contamination.
To review existing regulations, policies, and technological advancements aimed at managing POPs in e-waste.
To collaboratively pinpoint key challenges and explore opportunities for enhancing the environmentally sound management of POPs in Malaysia’s e-waste sector.
To strengthen partnerships among government agencies, industry players, academics, and NGOs for more effective and sustainable e-waste management.

Key presentations included

The workshop commenced with registration, followed by a series of opening speeches. Ts. Azlan bin Ahmad, Director of the Hazardous Substances Division of the Department of Environment (DOE), Malaysia, and Ms. Carla Valle Klann from the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions Secretariat, delivered remarks highlighting the critical importance of collaboration and adherence to global conventions for the environmentally sound management of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

Dr. Premakumara Jagath Dickella Gamaralalage from IGES-CCET introduced the project activities, providing a comprehensive overview of the workshop’s objectives and its alignment with priorities for managing hazardous substances in e-waste. His remarks, along with the opening speeches, laid a strong foundation for the detailed presentations and collaborative discussions that followed.

Global and Regional Challenges of POPs in E-Waste by Prof. Dr. Agamuthu Pariatamby: This presentation delved into the widespread presence and impacts of POPs in e-waste, including their persistence in the environment and toxicological effects on human health and ecosystems. Prof. Dr. Agamuthu highlighted global trends in e-waste generation, gaps in management practices, and emerging solutions for the environmentally sound management of these pollutants.

Current Status of E-Waste Management in Malaysia by Puan Thahirah binti Kamarulzaman (DOE Malaysia): This session provided a detailed analysis of Malaysia’s e-waste landscape, outlining the policies, regulations, and initiatives currently in place. Puan Thahirah emphasized the challenges Malaysia faces, such as informal sector involvement, limited infrastructure, and public awareness gaps, while also pointing out recent progress and opportunities for improvement.

Findings on Knowledge of POPs in Malaysia by Dr. Theng Lee Chong: This presentation focused on the results of studies conducted in Malaysia, shedding light on the level of awareness, sources, and pathways of POPs in the country. Dr. Theng highlighted specific case studies, knowledge gaps, and the need for capacity building to enhance the monitoring, reporting, and management of POPs in the e-waste sector.

A facilitated discussion session, coordinated by IGES-CCET, enabled participants to collaboratively identify key challenges and opportunities in managing POPs in e-waste. The discussions also explored strategies to incorporate the key findings and lessons learned into Malaysia’s ongoing regulatory development process for household e-waste management. This provided an opportunity for stakeholders to align project insights with policy development efforts, ensuring that regulatory frameworks effectively address emerging issues.

The session further benefited from the participation of a team from Thailand, including an official from the Pollution Control Department (PCD) and representatives from research and academia. The Thai team shared valuable insights and experiences from Thailand's approach to e-waste management, providing cross-border perspectives and practical examples that enriched the discussions.

The event concluded with a closing speech jointly delivered by representatives of IGES-CCET and DOE Malaysia, summarizing the workshop's key takeaways and reaffirming a commitment to advancing environmentally sound management practices in the e-waste sector.

The workshop provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement, contributing to the development of sustainable and effective strategies for addressing POPs in Malaysia's e-waste management system while drawing inspiration from regional experiences.