JOHOR BARU: Police have uncovered illegal e-waste processing setups in three factories here, seizing materials and equipment worth over RM71mil.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the premises in Desa Cemerlang, Ulu Tiram here were raided on Friday (Feb 14) in an operation from 6.10am to 11am.
Two foreigners were also detained, he added.
“The raid followed a tip-off about the illegal storage and processing of e-waste at the locations," he said in a statement on Sunday (Feb 16).
“The items seized include a variety of metals such as iron, tin and copper, automotive parts as well as electronic and plastic parts stored in 1,369 jumbo gunny sacks and on 28 pallets.
“The items were believed to have been brought in from overseas."
He added that 47 units of processing equipment and machinery were also seized, along with 19 square tanks filled with iron powder and automotive components weighing about 41 tonnes.
The raid involved the marine police, Environment Department (DOE) and Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), he said.
The seized items were handed over to the DOE for follow-up action.
The two foreigners were arrested to aid in investigations and for staying in the country without a valid permit, Comm Kumar added.
He said the case is also being investigated under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and MBJB’s trade, business and industrial licensing bylaws.
“Police will continue weeding out such illegal activities that harm the environment and the wellbeing of the people.
“The public is also welcome to channel information regarding such activities to us for the necessary action to be taken," he said.
