KUCHING: The Sarawak Brigade General Operations Force (GOF) has seized electronic waste (e-waste) worth almost RM20mil in six raids conducted during an integrated operation with other enforcement agencies.
Sarawak GOF deputy commander Asst Comm Rosdi Inai said Ops Hazard 2.0 Sarawak conducted from 10am to 9pm on Monday (June 16) resulted in 20 arrests –13 citizens and seven foreigners.
He said the local suspects consisted of 12 men and one woman aged 24 to 58, while the foreigners involved six men and one woman aged 21 to 32.
"The six raids were carried out at several locations suspected of carrying out e-waste processing activities without a valid licence.
"They involved two locations in Kuching, one in Kota Samarahan, one in Sibu and two in Bintulu,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (June 18).
Inspection of the locations found material suspected to be unprocessed e-waste, worn-out goods and various types of equipment, with an estimated value of RM19,638,213.45.
ACP Rosdi said it was also found that the syndicate involved illegally purchased and collected e-waste from surrounding areas before sending it to the peninsula to be broken down to obtain precious metals such as gold, silver and copper.
"It is understood that this syndicate also operates in remote premises to avoid detection," he said.
He said all the suspects had been handed over to the police and the Immigration Department, while the seized items were handed over to the state Environment Department and the D4 Criminal Investigation Department for further action. – Bernama
