KUALA LUMPUR: Some RM41.58mil worth of materials and equipment were seized following raids on six illegal e-waste processing facilities in Pandamaran, Klang,
The Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) Wildlife Crime Bureau conducted the raids on Thursday (Sept 12), along with other agencies, including the Environment Department (DOE), the IGP secretariat’s Anti-Money Laundering (AMLA) division and the National Water Services Commission (SPAN).
Bukit Aman KDNKA acting director Deputy Comm Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said six locals and 43 foreigners aged 22 to 60 were inspected and detained during the operation.
“We seized various electronic materials that would have been processed into metals such as copper, tin and steel.
“Among other materials seized were 2,800kg of stainless steel, 83,700kg of aluminium, 6,000kg of steel, 6,000kg of solid iron, 10,500kg of CPU, 3,000kg of batteries, 37,000kg of copper, 30,000kg of plastic, 103,000kg of cables, 50 e-waste processing machines and 14 transport machinery.
“All the items are worth RM41.58mil,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 15).
The locals detained were the coordinators, who collected profits, he said.
“The facilities raided were operating without licenses and were not registered. They were able to generate millions of ringgit in profits.
“The facilities also employed foreigners to process the e-waste,” he said.
DCP Mohd Yusoff said illegally disposing of e-waste and plastics, which contain toxic materials, could lead to serious health complications for those who are exposed to them.
“Those detained were brought to the South Klang district police headquarters for further action.
“The local authority issued compounds to the facility for not having valid business licences while the DOE sealed the premises and issued compounds under the Environmental Quality Act 1974,” he said.
In another case, DCP Mohd Yusoff said a local man was detained for illegal possession of wildlife and firearms following a raid in Taman Gasing Indah on Sept 10.
“Several items and wildlife were seized, including a pig-nosed tortoise, ivory, five bird cages, two crafted elephant ivory, an air rifle, two air pistols and a box of pallets.
“The items seized were worth RM269,720,” he said.
DCP Mohd Yusoff said RM418,240mil worth of items have been seized between Jan 1 and Sept 14 in 134 raids conducted on illegal e-waste facilities and smuggling.
“We also detained 383 individuals during the same period.
“We urge those with information on the illegal activities mentioned to contact the police. We need the public’s cooperation to curb such crimes,” he said.
