THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is targeting the sustainable management of 15 million devices by 2030 as part of a new push to cut electronic waste, extend device lifespans and make technology more accessible to lower-income and vulnerable Malaysians.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil today launched LESTARI: Sustainability Framework and Roadmap 2030 (SFR2030), which sets out sustainability targets for Malaysia’s telecommunications, broadcasting, postal and courier sectors.
Under the roadmap, devices that remain usable will be refurbished, reused or upgraded, while older equipment will be replaced with more energy-efficient technology or responsibly recycled.
The MCMC said the approach would help reduce electronic waste and resource consumption while lowering device ownership costs and widening access to technology.
It also expects the initiative to benefit 5 million people through social-impact programmes to be implemented by the commission and industry players by 2030.
LESTARI is also intended to support Malaysia’s transition towards its ambition of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions as early as 2050, in line with the Malaysia MADANI agenda, 13th Malaysia Plan, National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and national climate commitments.
The framework was developed following industry engagement involving 116 participants from 47 organisations and is structured around three pillars — climate and environmental sustainability; social impact and inclusion; and technology and innovation.
The first covers energy efficiency, carbon reduction, renewable energy, circular economy practices and infrastructure resilience, while the second focuses on inclusion, safety, skills and public wellbeing.
The technology and innovation pillar promotes the use of technology, artificial intelligence and low-carbon innovation to accelerate sustainability solutions.
Implementation will be monitored regularly against targets and indicators agreed with industry.
The MCMC also launched the Net Zero & Circularity Alliance (NZCA), an industry collaboration platform to coordinate efforts to reduce carbon emissions and expand the collection, reuse and recycling of devices.
Fifteen organisations have signed pledges supporting LESTARI and NZCA, comprising 3Cat Sdn Bhd, APR Electronics Services Sdn Bhd, Blue Bee Technologies Sdn Bhd (ERTH), CelcomDigi Bhd, CompAsia Sdn Bhd, EDOTCO Group Sdn Bhd, GD Express Sdn Bhd, Maxis Bhd, Measat Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd (Astro), Media Prima Bhd, Pos Malaysia Bhd, Shan Poornam Metals Sdn Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd, Time dotCom Bhd and U Mobile Sdn Bhd. - September 28, 2026