The issue of PCBs is a global concern and Malaysia is no exception. As early as 1985, tests conducted on shellfish collected from sea bed around Penang island showed the PCBs content to be in the range of 400 -600 ppb. The amount of PCBs detected exceeded the permitted level set by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) of 300 ppb.

In 1992, tests conducted on water samples from twenty-five rivers in Peninsular Malaysia for PCBs residue, showed that the amount was higher in the rivers that flow through industrial or densely populated area. The amount of PCBs detected was found to be in the range of 2.1 - 0.9 milligram per liter. This exceeds the level in the Proposed Interim National Quality Standards for Malaysia that sets a standard of 0.044 milligram per liter of PCBs in effluents.

Since June of 1998, PCBs are not allowed to be imported into Malaysia .The Customs Act 1967, The First Schedule of the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 1998 clearly states that PCBs are strictly prohibited from being imported into the country.

Given the above situation the problem of PCBs is not going to be solved as products that are imported or manufactured before June 1998 will contain PCBs.

PCB is largely used in a few industrial sectors, especially the downstream and more delicate petrochemical products, high-end electronic components manufacturing, pesticide formulation etc. It is also used in a wide variety of products such as in electrical equipments, (in the form of transformers and capacitors) paints, plastics, and carbonless copying paper to name a few. Since PCBs, have good insulating property it is also used as dielectric liquids and in heat exchangers. However there has not been much concern given to the disposal of either electrical equipment or products, which are likely to contain PCBs in Malaysia.

The use of PCB will still be at large even though it is prohibited into the country as its identity is usually hidden under different names.

In Malaysia, the disposal of solid waste (which may constitute products and equipment containing PCBs) is done almost solely through landfill method. There are about 177 disposal sites in Peninsular Malaysia. In most cases, open dumping is being practiced and takes places at about 50% of the total landfills.

It is also a practice in Malaysia to salvage scrap metal from equipments and household electrical products. Metals such as fabricated iron, copper, brass and lead are separated and sold either to be used by other industries or exported. In this respect these equipments are stripped of its metal components and whatever materials do not have commercial value will then be thrown into the regular garbage.

Dumpsite at Jelutong in Penang

View of a scrap yard

Worker salvaging materials