KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 -- In nearly two decades, Malaysia has generated a staggering 2.62 million metric tonnes (mt) of electronic waste (e-waste). To put this into perspective, this volume would fill nearly three-quarters of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. This figure, recorded between 2005 and 2023, shows no signs of slowing, with projections indicating continued growth.

The Department of Environment (DoE) estimates that 24.5 million units of electronic waste will be discarded this year alone.

E-waste refers to any device that requires mains power or batteries and has reached the end of its serviceable life. This encompasses everything from small items like hearing aids, mobile phones and computers to household appliances such as refr...