IPOH:The police have detained 14 people and seized 120.220kg of mixed electronic waste (e-waste) worth an estimated RM9.394mil in an integrated operation targeting suspected illegal e-waste processing activities here.
General Operations Force (GOF) Northern Brigade commander SAC Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh said those detained comprised two local men, aged between 40 and 45, believed to be managers of the premises, and 12 Myanmar nationals comprising eight men and four women, aged between 20 and 50.
He said the suspects were detained during Op Taring E-Waste conducted on Aug 3.
“The operation was conducted based on intelligence on three premises in Ipoh suspected of carrying out e-waste processing activities without approval from the authorities.
“Checks found that the premises had installed and operated several e-waste processing facilities without notification or approval from the Environment Department (DOE).
“They had an ordinary business licence issued by the local authority (PBT), such as for metal or cardboard recycling,” he told a press conference at the GOF Northern Brigade headquarters here on Wednesday (Aug 5).
SAC Balveer Singh said they however did not have the specific licence required to process e-waste and were operating under the cover of a general business licence.
He said besides the 120,220kg of mixed e-waste, enforcement teams also seized various machines and equipment used to process the waste.
“Other items seized included vehicles used to transport e-waste, comprising a trailer lorry and two forklifts.
“The total value of the seizures was estimated at RM9.394mil.
“Checks also uncovered an improperly managed water treatment facility, which could pose risks of environmental pollution as well as threats to public safety and health,” he said.
He said DOE has taken custody of all seized items and is investigating the case under Sections 18(1), 25(1), 34A and 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
Meanwhile, he said the Perak Immigration Department is investigating the case under Sections 6(1)(c), 55B and 55E of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
“The unlicensed e-waste processing activities not only violated the law but could have serious consequences for the environment and local communities.
“Illegally processed electronic waste could release toxic substances into the air, soil and water sources, potentially affecting public health through polluted air and unsafe water while also putting workers safety at risk.
“Such pollution not only disrupts ecosystems but also directly affects the well being of local communities,” he said.
SAC Balveer Singh urged the public to act as the eyes and ears of the authorities by providing information on illegal activities, particularly those involving unlicensed e-waste processing.
He said public cooperation was crucial to enable swift enforcement action, protect the environment, ensure public safety and safeguard community well being.
The operation, which ran from 9am to midnight, involved 28 officers and personnel from the Northern Brigade headquarters and 18th Battalion PGA, with the cooperation of DOE, local authorities, Inland Revenue Board,and Perak Criminal Investigation Department.
