Police have uncovered a suspected illegal electronic waste (e-waste) storage and processing facility in Lorong Pengkalan Indah, Bukit Tengah, following a multi-agency enforcement operation that led to the seizure of e-waste worth millions of ringgit.
The raid, conducted at about 11.55am yesterday under Ops Hazard (E-Waste), was led by the Internal Security and Public Order Division of the Seberang Perai Tengah District Police Headquarters with the cooperation of the Department of Environment (DOE), the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).
Acting Seberang Perai Tengah police chief Superintendent Norazizi Saad said initial inspections confirmed that the premises were allegedly being used to store and process electronic waste.
During the operation, DOE officers discovered 80 compressed blocks of e-waste along with eight jumbo bags filled with computer components and motherboards. Samples of the materials were collected for laboratory analysis to determine whether they fall under the scheduled waste category.
The case is being investigated under Section 18(1) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
MBSP also took enforcement action by issuing two compounds against the premises for operating without a valid business licence.
Authorities further detained 11 foreign nationals, aged between 26 and 59, who were believed to be working at the facility. Investigations found that 10 had allegedly breached the conditions of their immigration passes, while one individual was found without a valid travel document.
All 11 suspects have been remanded for 14 days until July 20 to assist investigations under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
Norazizi said police will continue working closely with relevant enforcement agencies to intensify efforts against illegal e-waste processing activities and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
