PEKAN: An illegal electronic waste (e-waste) processing plant has been raided by the Department of Environment (DOE) during a joint operation here on Saturday (Jan 18).
Pahang DOE said that the premises was suspected of illegally processing e-waste through smelting methods, leading to air pollution around Jalan Kuantan-Segamat, reported Sinar Harian.
The joint operation at the premises also involved the state enforcement unit, police, Immigration Department and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
"As a result of the inspection, 54 units of scheduled waste were seized for investigation.
"An equipment operation detention order was also imposed to prevent the premises from continuing operations," said the statement on Sunday (Jan 19).
The case is being investigated under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
"If found guilty, the parties involved face a mandatory prison sentence of not more than five years and a fine of up to RM10mil," it added.
Pahang DOE also reported that during the operation, the Immigration Dept detained a foreign worker for further investigation under the Immigration Act.
Meanwhile, the public can report any pollution complaints to the DOE’s toll-free line at 1-800-88-2727, email to aduan_k@doe.gov.my, or through the DOE e-complaint portal at http://eaduan.doe.gov.my.
