KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Environment (DOE) director-general and his deputy have been detained in connection with the investigation into alleged irregularities in the management of electronic waste (e-waste).
Sources said the two were detained at about 6.30pm yesterday after they turned up to give their statements at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters in Putrajaya.
“Investigations are focusing on allegations of abuse of power and corruption related to the management of e-waste believed to have taken place over the past few years,” a source said.
Both suspects are expected to be brought to the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court today for remand.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the arrests, saying investigations were being conducted thoroughly in accordance with the law.
He said the commission would not compromise with anyone involved in corrupt practices, regardless of position or rank.
The case is being investigated under provisions of the MACC Act 2009, he said, adding that further developments on the case will be announced soon.
Previously, 16 bank accounts with RM10.2mil in funds, along with other assets, were seized in connection with the investigation into alleged corruption involving e-waste processing, effluent disposal and scheduled waste dumping activities in Selangor and Negri Sembilan.
Sources said a company director under investigation by the MACC investigation division has had his remand extended until today.
Meanwhile, the Negri Sembilan MACC detained four other individuals, including a senior officer of a government department.
“A total of 16 bank accounts with an estimated value of RM10.2mil have been frozen. The MACC also seized RM87,000 along with valuables, vehicles and jewellery estimated to be worth about RM220,000.
“The arrests and remand involve company directors and officers from the DOE suspected of protecting illegal e-waste processing factories, as well as facilitating the disposal of scheduled waste without complying with prescribed procedures,” the source said.
Azam, on Jan 16, after chairing the Special Task Force on the Direction of Enforcement for Plastic Waste and E-Waste Imports in Malaysia meeting, said the country did not need excessive imports of plastic waste and e-waste and should consider a temporary six-month moratorium to assess the real impact on the country.
He said the six-month period was proposed as a trial to evaluate the actual implications for the economy, environment, and national enforcement systems.
He said the setting up of the Special Task Force reflected the government’s recognition that the issue of plastic and e-waste imports was no longer merely a technical or environmental matter.
