Malaysia seizes $11.7 million in e-waste in nationwide crackdown

Malaysian authorities have seized more than RM55.2 million ($11.7 million) worth of electronic waste and scrap metal in a sweeping nationwide operation targeting illegal e-waste processing sites, officials said on April 6.

The integrated operation, codenamed Ops Hazard 3.0, saw raids conducted at 110 locations across the country amid concerns that unlawful recycling activities pose serious environmental risks and breach existing regulations, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (General Operations Force) deputy director Deputy Comm Datuk Mohamad Suzrin Mohamad Rodhi said 87 of the 110 premises raided conducted e-waste-related activities, including 14 illegal factories.

“Seven premises are still under further inspection,” he told a press conference on April 6.

The operation began at 7 a.m. local time and deployed 293 assets, including 201 cars, 51 vans, 30 lorries and 11 drones.

A total of 729 individuals were screened, comprising 154 Malaysians and 575 foreigners.

“Of that number, 205 individuals were detained, involving 39 Malaysians, 66 foreigners and 100 undocumented migrants,” he said.

Authorities confiscated 316,278.5 kilograms of e-waste and 388,230 kilograms of scrap materials, along with an additional 9,350 kilograms of other items.

“The total value of the seizures is estimated at RM55.22mil,” he added.

Local authorities issued 342 compounds amounting to RM82,450 against premises found to have violated regulations.

The operation involved 1,611 personnel from multiple agencies, including 1,089 police officers, as well as officials from the Department of Environment, the Inland Revenue Board, local authorities and the Immigration Department.

By Sabina Mammadli