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Getting Rid of Your Old Tablets, Laptops, and Phones the Smart Way (Malaysia)

By Editor April 2, 2022

With more and more people adopting electrical devices, Malaysia’s e-waste (old tablets, laptops and phones) problem is becoming more prominent. Nowadays, many people own smartwatches, headphones, tablets, smartphones and many others, but not many know how to properly dispose of them once they can no longer be used.

E-waste must be disposed of properly because it contains plastic, metals, and harmful chemical substances and minerals. When left in landfills, they can pose severe threats to public health and the environment.

Read on to learn what you can do with your old tablets, laptops and phones in Malaysia.

Three Ways to Recycle Your Old Devices

1. Give It Another Purpose

Save the environment, and don’t throw away your old tablets or laptops. Ask around; you never know if a family member or friend needs a tablet or laptop. As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

You can also repurpose your old tablets and laptops. Turn your old tablet into an e-reader or keep it in your kitchen to enhance your cooking experience. You can also do the same with your old laptops. Convert the laptop into a gaming server or use it as an external monitor.

You can do so much with your old electronic devices instead of throwing them away.

2. Donate Your Old Appliances

Many charities collect old IT devices. They use them to help millions of people in the developing world gain access to technology and improve their lives. 

Your old tablets and laptops are especially useful nowadays during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students in remote areas cannot attend school, but charities can use your old devices to give them access to online classes. Your old devices also provide businesses and charities with the tech resources needed to operate.

3. Sell Your Old Devices Online

Selling your old tablets, laptops, smartphones and other electronic devices online is a great way to earn money. There are many trusted platforms, like Facebook Marketplace and Carousell, where you can sell your used gadgets. 

Facebook Marketplace is great to sell locally and safer than other online selling platforms. Your phone number and email address are protected, and since it is tied directly to the buyers’ and sellers’ Facebook accounts, you can check on how credible the buyer or seller is.

Carousell is a community-centric marketplace where you can interact with other users with the same interests. It allows buyers and sellers to connect through buying and selling, and it offers payment options like cash on delivery and bank transfer.

Where can I recycle e-waste in Malaysia?

Throwing away your old tablets, laptops and phones into a landfill is a waste of valuable raw materials and pollutes the environment. The best approach is to recycle your e-waste at collection points and recyclers. Here are three ways you can do so in Malaysia.

1. Erth

Erth offers a free pick up service for your old tablets, laptops, phones and many more from your address and will pay you upon collection. Their goal is to make recycling easy and rewarding.

It’s a simple three-step process. Fill in the booking form, pass your items to their drivers and receive payment on the same day. Save the Earth all from the comfort of your own home!

2. Senheng’s e-Waste Recycling Program

Senheng’s e-Waste Recycling Program invites all Malaysians to dispose of their e-waste safely. 

Through this program, Senheng will offer cash vouchers for the non-bulky e-waste items brought to their outlets. Examples include projectors, old tablets, phones, laptops, VCD and DVD players.

Senheng will also provide a free pickup service for bulkier items. Items eligible for this service include TVs, refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners.

3. Jabatan Alam Sekitar Malaysia

Get the latest updates about e-waste management in Malaysia at their official website. Learn about e-waste, stakeholder responsibilities and find your nearest collection centres and recovery facilities to send your old tablets, laptops and many more.

Editor’s Note

In Malaysia, it is not mandatory for consumers to send their old electrical items to e-waste at collection points and recyclers. However, we should all play a part in reducing e-waste in Malaysia to live in a safer environment and preserve it for future generations.

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    Android Security Guide: How to Keep Your Smartphone Safe

    By Editor March 30, 2022

    In an era of digitalisation, whether you are at home, at work, or out with friends, chances are there is an app on your phone that enhances your experience. However, we must also address the growing risks of such convenience – especially our android security.

    Here’s a look at a few easy steps you can take to enhance your android security.

    Steps to Make Using Your Smartphone More Secure

    1. Enable User Authentication

    When you’re out and about and not careful, it is very easy for your smartphones to get lost or stolen. To enhance your android security, use a password to lock your phone; doing so will protect your email, contacts, photos, banking information and many more from unwanted intruders.

    You can go to your Security settings and enable a four or six-digit passcode to enter your device for most Android devices. Consider setting an even longer passcode with numbers and letters for better protection.

    Think passcodes are too troublesome? No worries. Most devices have Face ID and Touch ID, which certainly makes access quicker, but not necessarily more secure. While you’re at it, make sure apps with personal information are also locked behind passwords.

    2. Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi

    Public Wi-Fi is excellent; it allows us access to the internet in shopping centres, cafes, airports, or other public venues. However, connecting to public Wi-Fi is very dangerous, as a hacker can easily position themself between you and the connection point.

    To reinforce your android security, try to use your private cell connection and disable your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when outside. If you have to use public Wi-Fi, consider downloading a VPN app protect yourself against hackers whenever you are in public.

    Also, consider disabling Bluetooth while you’re out and about unless you are wearing a smartwatch that requires it.

    3. Keep Your Phone’s Software Up to Date

    Keeping your smartphone up to date is very important in protecting your android security. Keeping your phone’s software up to date helps protect your smartphone against data breaches and intrusions, or close off vulnerabilities, making it harder for hackers to break in. 

    You may not like the frequent requests to update your operating software. Still, it is necessary to bring new features to your device and ensure that you use the most recently updated version of Google’s operating system. 

    Go to Settings and select the “System” option for Android users to check whether an update is available for your device. Then choose “Advanced” and pick “System update.” If you don’t see the “Advanced” button, press “About phone.” These steps will differ according to the Android device you are using.

    4. Use a Password Manager

    To make a strong password, you will need to consider its length (the longer the better), mix upper and lower case letters, numbers and many more. However, it can be hard to remember and keep track, especially if you have different passwords for different accounts.

    A password manager comes in handy here to optimise your android security. Apps like LastPass, 1Password, and Keeper are great because they store your passwords, generate complex passwords and automatically log you into websites. However, you will need to remember your master password for the app.

    5. Manage App Permissions

    Enforce your android security through your apps. The best method is to delete the apps you do not use and restrict your personal information like your location and contacts.

    Another method is to control what data your apps can access. Go to Settings, open “Apps & notifications”, and press the “Advanced” option for Android devices. Choose “App permissions” to control the information your apps have access to. Examples include your contacts, call history, location and many more.

    Editor’s Choice

    Infinix Zero X Neo (8+128GB)
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    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G (8+128GB)
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    Xiaomi POCO X3 Pro (8+256GB)
    Xiaomi
    Xiaomi POCO X3 Pro (8+256GB)
    RM999.00 – RM1499.00

    Stay on top of things by following our steps to strengthen your android security. You can rest assured that you have taken every measure within your power to protect your personal and sensitive data from cyberattacks.

    Discover more smartphone deals on PriceShop and learn more smartphone tips!