Over 200 detained after raids on 110 premises under Ops Hazard 3.0
KLANG: Some RM55.2mil in e-waste and scrap metal were seized following raids on 110 premises nationwide.
The integrated operation, codenamed Ops Hazard 3.0, targeted illegal e-waste processing activities which authorities say 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 110 premises were raided with 87 found to be involved in e-waste-related activities, including 14 illegal factories.
“Seven premises are still under further inspection.
“The operation began as early as 7am, utilising 293 assets, including 201 cars, 51 vans, 30 lorries and 11 drones,” he told a press conference yesterday.
He said 729 individuals were screened during the operation, comprising 154 Malaysians and 575 foreigners.
“Of that number, 205 individuals were detained, involving 39 Malaysians, 66 foreigners and 100 undocumented migrants,” he said.
DCP Mohamad Suzrin added that authorities confiscated 316,278.5kg of e-waste and 388,230kg of scrap materials.
“In addition, 9,350kg of other items were also seized.
“The total value of the seizures is estimated at RM55.22mil,” he said.
He added that local authorities also issued 342 compounds amounting to RM82,450 against premises found to have violated regulations.
DCP Mohamad Suzrin said the final products from the illegal e-waste processing activities were believed to be exported to third countries for recycling.
“These materials contain valuable elements such as aluminium, tin, copper and gold which are extracted from electronic components,” he said.
He noted 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.
He said the operation involved a total of 1,611 personnel from various agencies.
“Of this number, 1,089 were police officers and personnel while the rest comprised members from agencies such as the Department of Environment, Inland Revenue Board, local authorities and the Immigration Department,” he said.
