MCMC targets 15m devices for sustainable management

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is targeting the management of 15 million devices sustainably by the year 2030. This initiative, known as Lestari: Sustainability Framework and Roadmap 2030 (SFR2030), aims to achieve sustainability through the reuse, upgrading, and replacement of devices with more efficient technologies, responsible recycling, and the expansion of access to technology.

This will not only help reduce electronic waste (e-waste) but also extend device lifespans and support the circular economy. MCMC's Lestari initiative is aligned with the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and supports the transition towards this aspiration in the telecommunications, broadcasting, postal and courier sectors.

The framework is divided into three main pillars: Climate and Environmental Sustainability, Social Impact and Inclusivity, and Technology and Innovation. The implementation of Lestari will be monitored based on targets and indicators agreed upon with the industry. An industry collaboration platform, the Net Zero & Circularity Alliance (NZCA), has also been introduced to reduce carbon emissions and expand efforts to collect, reuse, and recycle devices.

So far, 15 organisations from various segments of the digital ecosystem have signed a pledge of support for Lestari and NZCA. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil officiated the launch of the initiative, emphasizing the importance of cooperation across various sectors for the energy transition.