Masidi proposes buy-back scheme for old mobile phones

KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun has proposed mobile phone manufacturers implement a buy-back or take-back scheme for old mobile phones in order to dispose of electronic waste (e-waste) in a proper manner.

Masidi said the disposal of e-waste was a serious matter as such waste was more dangerous to health.

According to worldwide research, he said consumers had thrown away USD60 million worth of gold and silver components in mobile phones.

“I have yet to dispose of the 30 to 40 handphones in my house. Where can I dispose?” Masidi said that when officiating at the first installation ceremony of Sabah Construction and Domestic Waste Management Association (SCDWA) here yesterday.

Since he believed that mobile phone companies were raking in billions in ringgit in profit, Masidi said it should be their responsibility to make sure old phones were disposed of properly after the devices had been discarded by customers. In terms of implementation, he suggested including the cost of e-waste disposal in the purchase of a mobile phone, or putting in a clause that required manufacturers to take back old phones and dispose them of properly.

Asked how to make the buy-back or take-back scheme mandatory, he said there need to be a law in place passed by the Parliament.

“We have been talking about the same subject over and over again.

“I think it is high time that some concrete decision is made in order to solve the problem because we cannot be possibly waiting until we are buried by e-waste to start taking action.”

He hoped that the relevant authority could take note and seriously consider his suggestion for the good of the future of this country.

“I think there must be a relevant law to manage it (e-waste).