Illegal electronic waste (e-waste) processing activities at two premises in Selangor were uncovered following raids carried out under Op Hazard by the Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA) Bukit Aman on Thursday.
Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence (WCB/PSK) commander Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said the operation was conducted following intelligence gathered in collaboration with the Kuala Langat district police headquarters and the Sepang Department of Environment.
He said simultaneous raids were carried out at two locations involving a storage facility and premises used for e-waste processing activities.
“As a result of the operation, 24 foreign men and one foreign woman aged between 19 and 50 were detained to assist investigations,” he said in a statement on Friday.
Mohd Zaki said authorities also seized 347,000 kilogrammes of dismantled e-waste, five compressors, one dust collection system, four gas cylinders, a water recycling machine, two furnace units and a smoke chimney.
“The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM1.256 million. The case is being investigated under Sections 18 and 19, as well as Section 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974,” he said.
He added that the Kuala Langat Municipal Council also issued a RM1,000 compound and a stop-business notice against the premises involved.
Mohd Zaki further revealed that from January 1 until today, authorities had carried out 158 raids nationwide involving various offences, including smuggling of untaxed goods, leakages involving controlled items, sale of imitation weapons, wildlife smuggling and e-waste operations.
“Throughout the period, a total of 335 individuals were arrested through these operations,” he said.
He also encouraged the public to continue providing information to the police to help combat such criminal activities.
