The General Operations Force (PGA) has arrested 14 individuals, including 12 Myanmar nationals, and seized electronic waste (e-waste) worth about RM9.4 million during raids at three recycling factory premises around the city.
Northern Brigade PGA Ulu Kinta commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh said the integrated Ops Taring E-Waste operation was carried out last Monday following a week of intelligence gathering.
He said inspections found that the premises had installed and operated several e-waste processing facilities without notification or approval from the Department of Environment (DOE).
A large amount of electronic waste was also discovered stored in bags and piled up within the compounds of all three premises.
“Inspections also found improper water treatment facilities, which could pose a risk of pollution and threaten public safety and health.
“We are still investigating the source of the electronic waste and where it was intended to be sent,” he said during a press conference at the Northern Brigade PGA Headquarters in Ulu Kinta today.
Balveer said the three factories had obtained licences from local authorities to operate as industrial premises, including recycling facilities.
However, the operators did not possess the necessary licences or permits from the DOE for e-waste processing activities.
The seizure involved more than 120,220kg of mixed e-waste, along with various machines and equipment believed to be used for processing electronic waste.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the activities and identify other parties involved.
