E-waste smuggled into the country leaves a trail of pollution
Industry players say there are at least 200 plants, large and small, that are recycling e-waste illegally in the country, right under the noses of the authorities.
Sourced from countries such as the United States, precious metals including gold, copper, and aluminium are extracted from the e-waste, and are shipped to China, where industry sources say all financial transitions are done.
Despite being a lynchpin in this billion-dollar business, Malaysia gets nothing from the transactions but is left with refuse material containing harmful chemicals.
“In no way does it benefit the Malaysian economy in tax returns, including employment opportunities,” a veteran of the recycling industry told Malaysiakini on condition of anonymity.
He estimated that the country easily loses more than...
