Malaysia generated 13,743 tonnes of battery waste nationwide from 2021 to 2025, according to a BernamaBiz report. The figure highlights a growing environmental issue, as batteries become more common in phones, laptops, electric vehicles, power tools and household devices.
Batteries contain materials that can be valuable and hazardous. Metals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel can be recovered and reused, but if batteries are thrown into ordinary rubbish they can leak harmful substances, and damaged lithium-ion batteries can cause fires in rubbish trucks and landfills. Responsible collection and recycling therefore matter for both safety and the environment.
The headline does not explain how the figure was calculated, what types of batteries it includes or how much was recycled, so I cannot judge whether the amount is high or low compared with other countries. It is also likely to increase as electric vehicles and energy storage grow. Policymakers will be watching closely, particularly because recovering materials could reduce reliance on imports.
What can people do? Do not put used batteries in the household bin. Look for collection points at shopping centres, electronics retailers and local council facilities, and tape the terminals of larger batteries to prevent short circuits. Buy rechargeable batteries where appropriate and repair or reuse devices before replacing them. If a battery is swollen, hot or leaking, handle it carefully and seek advice from the manufacturer. Businesses can take part in take-back schemes. As electric mobility expands, a clear national system for collecting and recycling batteries will become increasingly important.
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