SEGAMAT: A factory suspected of processing electronic waste (e-waste), estimated to be as large as 16 football fields, was among 10 factories raided on Monday (Feb 24) at Jalan Buloh Kasap.
The raid was conducted by the Immigration Department in collaboration with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) after a three-month investigation.
In addition to the operation in Segamat, simultaneous raids were also carried out on two e-waste factories in Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor.
During the operation in Segamat, Sinar Harian observed that some factory premises also housed several blocks of dilapidated and filthy worker dormitories.
Each room contained bunk beds and scattered cooking equipment, with hazardous electrical wire connections posing a risk to lives.
Some foreign workers were reportedly injured, stepping on e-waste debris while attempting to flee.
Immigration deputy director-general (operations) Jafri Embok Taha, stated that the raid began at 9am, involving 314 Immigration Department personnel from each state in Peninsular Malaysia, and 753 individuals were inspected.
Overall, 420 foreign nationals, suspected of being illegal immigrants aged between 20 and 30, were detained for various offences such as overstaying, lacking documentation, and passport misuse.
"The majority of the foreign nationals arrested are from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal.
"All those arrested have been taken to the Machap Umboo Immigration Depot in Melaka and the Pekan Nenas Immigration Depot in Johor," Jafri said when met by reporters at the raid location on Monday.
In addition, the department also detained five local individuals in their 30s, including two women, suspected of managing the foreign workers involved.
Action was taken under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
Commenting on the challenges faced during the raid, Jafri mentioned that some foreign nationals attempted to escape, hide in piles of e-waste, and jump into drains.
"This factory at Jalan Buloh Kasap is the largest, covering about 16 football fields and involving two factories," he stated.
He added that investigations are also underway to determine if there are repeated offences involving the premises. COMP
