In April 2026, Malaysia began enforcing an absolute ban on e-waste imports, having previously been one of the main recipients of imported electrical and electronic waste.
From blacksmiths to street food vendors, the country’s informal workforce fears it is being left behind by the green transition. Five workers tell their stories.
The appointment comes amid increasing public scrutiny over governance and pressure for institutional reform, which has resulted in protests demanding the removal of the incumbent over alleged corporate influence scandals.