Malaysia’s copper scrap market has remained struggles in recent years, with both upstream traders and downstream smelters under increasing pressure. According to SMM, this situation is closely related to the government’s intensified import supervision since 2021, particularly the stringent inspection regime enforced by SIRIM (Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia). Unless import standards are revised or clearance procedures streamlined, Malaysia risks losing its competitiveness and influence within the Southeast Asian recycled metals market.