KLANG: A nationwide crackdown on illegal e-waste processing saw 110 locations raided, with authorities seizing more than RM55.2mil worth of e-waste and scrap metal.
The integrated operation, codenamed Ops Hazard 3.0, targeted illegal e-waste processing activities believed to pose serious environmental threats and violate existing laws.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (General Operations Force) deputy director Deputy Comm Datuk Mohamad Suzrin Mohamad Rodhi said 87 of the 110 premises raided conducted e-waste-related activities, including 14 illegal factories.
“Seven premises are still under further inspection,” he told a press conference on Monday (April 6).
He said the operation began as early as 7am and involved 293 assets, including 201 cars, 51 vans, 30 lorries and 11 drones.
A total of 729 individuals were screened, comprising 154 Malaysians and 575 foreigners.
“Of that number, 205 individuals were detained, involving 39 Malaysians, 66 foreigners and 100 undocumented migrants,” he said.
Authorities also confiscated 316,278.5kg of e-waste and 388,230kg of scrap materials, along with an additional 9,350kg of other items.
“The total value of the seizures is estimated at RM55.22mil,” he added.
Local authorities issued 342 compounds amounting to RM82,450 against premises found to have violated regulations.
Mohamad Suzrin said the final products from illegal e-waste processing were believed to be exported to third countries, including China, for recycling.
“These materials contain valuable elements such as aluminium, tin, copper and gold, which are extracted from electronic components,” he said.
He added that Ops Hazard 3.0 is a continuation of previous operations focusing on environmental pollution and the illegal entry of e-waste into the country.
The operation involved 1,611 personnel from various agencies, including 1,089 police officers, as well as officers from the Environment Department, Inland Revenue Board, local authorities and the Immigration Department.
A further press conference will be held by the Inspector-General of Police on Friday (April 10) to provide more details on the overall results of the operation.
