MCMC launches Lestari roadmap to cut emissions and e-waste

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has launched the Lestari: Sustainability Framework and Roadmap 2030 (SFR2030) for the sectors it oversees — telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal and courier. 

Lestari sets out voluntary measures to reduce emissions and e-waste, widen access to affordable technology and support Malaysia’s net-zero ambition by 2050.

The framework targets the sustainable management of 15 million devices through reuse, upgrades and responsible recycling by 2030. It also aims to establish 300 e-waste collection and refurbishment points and reach five million Malaysians through social-impact programmes.

The guidance is non-regulatory and does not impose new reporting or target-setting requirements. Companies may adopt it according to their circumstances and readiness.

“The consumption of energy is significant, and it is, without doubt, necessary that we attend to aspects around the sustainability of this energy consumption,” said Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil at the launch.

Fahmi said data centres consume substantial amounts of energy and water. He also highlighted telecommunications towers in areas without grid access that continue to depend on diesel generators.

SFR2030 covers three primary areas, which are climate action, social impact and inclusion, and technology and innovation.

It also proposes 52 measures tailored to three sectors that cover areas such as renewable energy, emissions tracking, equipment reuse, accessible services and workforce skills.

Its first phase — covering 2026 and 2027 — will establish the initiatives and develop industry baselines, indicators and partnerships. Programmes are expected to be expanded in 2028 and 2029, with MCMC monitoring progress against targets agreed with the industry.

Lestari was developed through consultations involving 116 participants from 47 organisations. 

“I’d like to open up opportunities for the respective sectors and companies. If you have suggestions that you wish us to pay attention to, to help facilitate and expedite your transition according to the National Energy Transition Roadmap, let us know, let us understand and let us work together,” said Fahmi.

He also pointed to initiatives already under way, such as Pos Malaysia Bhd’s (KL:POS) shift from internal-combustion-engine vehicles to electric motorcycles and vans, as examples of industry-led sustainability efforts. Pos Malaysia operates 1,252 electric motorcycles and 279 electric vans. Solar installations at 18 sites supply nearly 10% of its electricity, according to the framework. 

Courtesy: www.theedgemalaysia.com