Voice of the People: Tighten Controls on Waste Processing, Ban Importation of E-Waste
For years, the residents of Kuala Langat, Klang and Hulu Selangor, including those from Banting, Jenjarom, Sijangkang, Olak Lempit, Telok Panglima Garang, Pulau Carey, Meru, Kapar, Rasa, and many more, have suffered greatly from pollution by irresponsible illegal waste processing factories and dumpsites.
Many waste processing factories, including electronic waste (e-waste), operate in our residential areas, often releasing toxic substances or burning waste openly, polluting our air, water, and land.
Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about illegal e-waste operations since 2019, yet the factories continued to operate, until recent enforcement actions.
We, the affected communities, will not tolerate the severe health and environmental threats posed by illegal waste processing. We demand continued strong action from the government to protect our villages, families, children, and future.
Adverse Effects of E-Waste Processing
1. Air Pollution and Health Hazards
Burning e-waste releases toxic chemicals such as dioxins, furans, and heavy metals into the air, which can cause respiratory problems, chronic diseases, and even cancer. We often experience persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, eye irritation, and skin rashes. The deteriorating air quality has a negative impact, especially on our children and the elderly.
2. Water Pollution
Toxic chemicals from e-waste factories are illegally dumped into rivers and drains, contaminating water sources. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium will seep into groundwater, making it unsafe for drinking and use in agriculture.
We are concerned that drinking water supply will be contaminated, exposing communities to the risk of poisoning. Farmers who rely on river water for irrigation are also unknowingly exposing their crops to toxic substances.
Aquatic life is also severely affected by pollution, causing declines in fish populations and the destruction of ecosystems, such as along the Langat River.
3. Soil Pollution and Risk of Contaminated Food
E-waste contains hazardous substances that leach into the soil when disposed of uncontrollably. These toxins accumulate in crops and enter the food chain, posing long-term health risks to consumers.
Cows often graze around illegal landfills in Kuala Langat and Klang. Soil pollution from e-waste will also cause soil health to decline and contaminate crops, affecting income and food security.
Continuous exposure to these hazardous substances can cause neurological disorders, developmental delays in children, and reproductive problems. This has a negative impact on our younger generation and future generations.
Our Demands
We, communities that constantly face pollution in our residential areas, demand immediate action from the government:
1. Permanent Ban on Importation of E-Waste and Reduce Importation of Other Hazardous Waste, Such as Plastic Waste
Malaysia is no longer able to deal with the existing illegal waste. If the import of e-waste is allowed, this problem will get worse. The remaining waste generated during the recycling process or non-recyclable parts of electronics are often dumped in our areas, even creating a mountain in Kapar, Klang.
We are witnesses to the reality that Malaysia has become the world’s garbage dump. We demand strict action at ports, including at small private ports, to stop these wastes from being smuggled into Malaysia.
2. Stronger Enforcement of Licensed and Illegal Factories
We urge the enforcement authorities to continue the good work that has been done this year and conduct regular raids on waste processing factories, both licensed and unlicensed, nationwide.
It is hoped that local governments, such as the Kuala Langat Municipal Council, the Klang Royal City Council, and the Hulu Selangor Municipal Council, will take strict action by closing down and demolishing illegal factories, as well as confiscating their equipment so that they do not simply move their operations. The government must further strengthen joint enforcement to ensure that illegal factories cannot operate again, and impose severe penalties on those involved in processing e-waste without permits.
We also demand that the conditions to approve large processing factories be strengthened, so that heavy industries are not set up next to primary schools, as in Sungai Manggis, or close to residential areas, as in Olak Lempit.
3. Transparency in Enforcement Efforts
We call on the government to announce the locations of illegal factories found, the number of factories closed, the fines imposed, and the individuals prosecuted. We also hope that the government will implement its promises regarding the action plan to prevent illegal e-waste smuggling and processing activities from recurring.
4. Environmental and Health Monitoring in Affected Areas, and Rehabilitation of Contaminated Areas
The government must also conduct regular air, water, and soil quality assessments to monitor the level of pollution, as well as provide health checks and medical assistance to affected residents. The results of these studies must be shared with the residents. We, the Common People, have the right to know what is affecting us. Contaminated areas need to be rehabilitated, not simply flattened and covered with earth.
Government Must Take Firm Action
We can no longer tolerate the irresponsibility of companies and the weakness of enforcement by government agencies. Every day, without firm action and delays in enforcement, more residents face various mental and physical health problems, pollution, and a deteriorating quality of life.
We urge the government to always prioritise the well-being of Malaysians. The health of our communities cannot continue to be compromised while illegal waste processing continues to operate freely.
We demand immediate and decisive action to stop the smuggling and illegal processing of e-waste and other waste, and emphasise that illegal factories must not be white-washed or legalised, especially those operating on agricultural land.
Letter to the Editor, 13 March 2025
This statement is supported by the Kuala Langat Environmental Action Association; Taman Cenderawasih Neighborhood Watch, Olak Lempit; Klang Environmental Action Association; Taman Periang Residents Community Association, Banting; Kampung Jenjarom Heirs Residents Association; Sijangkang Residents; and Rasa Environmental Sustainability Coalition.