OPS Hazard 3.0: Nearly RM600 million in seizures, 515 individuals detained - IGP
The finished products derived from the e-waste were intended for sale in foreign markets after being processed illegally in the country.
KUALA LUMPUR - The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) recorded seizures and forfeitures totalling RM582 million following raids on 110 electronic waste (e-waste) processing sites nationwide under Operation Hazard 3.0 last Monday.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the integrated operation, which involved the Department of Environment (DOE), the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), among others, also led to the detention of 515 individuals.
He said that items seized included 6,378 tonnes of e-waste valued at RM455 million, 377 tonnes of finished products valued at RM7.4 million, 1,925 tonnes of scrap metal valued at RM11.6 million, and various other assets valued at RM107 million.
He added that the finished products derived from the e-waste were intended for sale in foreign markets after being processed illegally in the country.
"Out of the 110 locations raided, 42 premises were found to be illegal factories conducting e-waste processing activities. In total, 223 investigation papers have been opened," he said.
"Of the 515 individuals detained, aged between 16 and 70, 65 are locals while the remainder are undocumented migrants," he told a press conference here today.
Also present was Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (General Operations Force), deputy director, Datuk Mohamad Suzrin Mohamad Rodhi.
The IGP said that those detained are being investigated under the Environmental Quality Act 1974, the Immigration Act 1959/63, and Local Authority (PBT) by-laws.
He added that during the operation, police froze seven individual and corporate bank accounts amounting to RM670,000 under Section 44(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, while the IRB opened 24 investigation papers.
He said the massive haul was the result of cooperation within the Multi-Agency Task Force led by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Task Force Committee under the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN).
"The primary role of this task force is to track, seize, freeze, and recover misappropriated national assets.
"The team will not compromise on any illegal activities that threaten national security, public health, and environmental sustainability," he said. - BERNAMA
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