An analysis of law regulating electronic waste (E-waste) in Malaysia / Siti Nur Liyana Mohd Sulaiman … [et al.]

The project paper attempts to analyse the management of electronic waste, the existing national and international laws on electronic waste as well as the definition of hazardous waste and electronic waste. The Environmental Quality Act 1974, Guidelines for the Classification of Used Electrical and Electronic Equipment in Malaysia 2010 and Customs (Prohibition of Export and Import) Order 2006 are the relevant local laws to control the management of e-waste. The definitions of e-waste are taken from various sources so as to give a complete understanding on what is considered as e-waste. Other than that, this paper also examines the enforcement of laws governing electronic waste. The examination on the law enforcement focused on the authorities who are responsible in managing and dealing with e-waste. This research paper aims to analyse regulations regarding the management of e-waste in Malaysia. Besides, this paper seeks to improve e-waste regulations and the enforcement of e-waste management system in Malaysia. A qualitative research methodology was chosen as the research methodology in conducting this research. The doctrinal research and empirical research approach was applied in conducting this research. At the end of the research it is found that even though there are laws that govern the management of e-waste but it is still insufficient to curb the increasing problems on e-waste management. The problems on mismanagement of e-waste and illegal transboundary still occur due to lack of law enforcement as compared to other countries. The enforcement agencies also have lack of power to curb with this problem.