PETALING JAYA, July 20 — A mobile E-waste campaign was organised by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) together with the industry to encourage and educate the public on the proper disposal of mobile phones.
In today’s fast-paced world, the frequency of advance technology is almost monthly.
However, many do not know if a mobile phone is left untouched, it would start to produce discharge that would be hazardous to their health.
“Many are unaware on the hazardous effect on health and environment due to improper disposal of mobile devices,” said MCMC senior director of Technology and Society Division, Aisharuddin Nuruddin.
Among the materials in the mobile phone are cadmium, lithium, mercury and lead which could lead to various health complications like lung disease, kidney damaged, memory impairment, damage of the central nervous system and many others.
E-waste is a term used to cover items of all types of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) that have been discarded. Aisharuddin said in Malaysia there are more than 65.7 million mobile phones considered as E-waste that may have ended in landfills or are kept in our drawers.
“This is caused by the growing demand in the ICT industry and also the high obsolescence rate of ICT goods,” he said.
To date, there are 74 Mobile E-waste locations nationwide where the public could drop off their unused mobile devices to be sent to the recycler based in Penang. Those wanting more information regarding the locations can click here.
“The recycler would separate the parts of the mobile device accordingly and the recovered materialswill be used to manufacture new products,” Aisharuddin said.
