The General Operations Force (GOF) Northern Brigade has successfully dismantled a large-scale illegal e-waste processing plant in Penang, seizing materials worth RM21.83 million. The raid, conducted in collaboration with the Penang Department of Environment (DOE), resulted in the arrest of 11 foreign workers and the discovery of 500,000 kg of e-waste, including copper. Authorities suspect the e-waste was imported from multiple countries and smuggled into the country under false declarations. The plant, which initially operated legally as a plastic recycling facility, is now being investigated under the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
The General Operations Force (GOF) Northern Brigade successfully dismantled an illegal e-waste processing plant in Perkampungan Machang Bubuk, Penang , seizing materials valued at RM21.83 million. Acting on a public tip-off and two weeks of intelligence gathering, a team raided the illegal facility at 7:30 pm, uncovering e-waste materials and machinery used for processing them.
The operation, conducted by the 1st Battalion Intelligence Branch in collaboration with the Penang Department of Environment (DOE), led to the arrest of 11 foreign workers at the site. Northern Brigade Commander SAC Shahrum Hashim said the GOF received information about illegal e-waste processing activities in the area and conducted intelligence operations, including drone surveillance, to monitor the facility. The plant was located along the main road and within an oil palm plantation. During the raid, 11 foreigners were detained, including a Chinese woman who managed the operation, nine Myanmar nationals — six of whom were women — and a Bangladeshi man, all aged between 30 and 40. Shahrum said that initial checks revealed that only the Chinese woman had a passport, though it had expired, while the other 10 foreigners lacked valid travel documents.The raid uncovered 48 jumbo-sized bags containing 500,000 kg of e-waste, including copper, along with several processing machines, purchased three months ago. The factory was engaged in separating and crushing e-waste before transferring it elsewhere for further processing. Authorities also found hazardous e-waste residues scattered on the ground, posing environmental risks, especially during rain. Investigations suggest that the e-waste was imported from multiple countries, possibly smuggled in containers under false declarations. The plant initially operated legally as a plastic recycling facility from 2016 to 2022, before being rented out to another local individual. It is suspected that the premises were subleased to a Chinese national in 2023 for illegal e-waste processing. Foreign workers at the factory were paid RM2,500 to RM4,000, based on commission, and are now being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/1963. Meanwhile, Penang DOE director Norazizi Adinan confirmed that the seizure was the department’s largest success to date. The e-waste, suspected to contain hazardous heavy metals, has been categorised as scheduled waste SW110-E-Waste and SW104. He said that samples have been sent to the Chemistry Department for analysis, and the case is being investigated under the Environmental Quality Act 1974
E-Waste Illegal Operations Penang Seizure Environment Malaysia
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Penang cops suspect illegal racing led to teen's death in expressway crashTikTok got an apparent reprieve from being forced to shut down, but Americans on Jan 20 were still using and downloading Xiaohongshu, the Chinese social media app that surged in popularity last week in anticipation of TikTok’s closure.
Read more »
Courier workers arrested over RM21,818 parcel theftThe arrests were made following a police report lodged by the company’s security manager on Monday.
Read more »
George Town Overtakes Kuala Lumpur as Malaysia's Most Traffic-Congested CityAccording to a new TomTom report, George Town, Penang, has become the most congested city in Malaysia in 2024, surpassing Kuala Lumpur. This report highlights the significant traffic challenges faced by drivers in major Malaysian cities. However, there are promising developments for Penang with the construction of the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, which is expected to alleviate traffic congestion. Penang has also been recognized as a top tourist destination by Lonely Planet, attracting visitors with its rich history, culture, and diverse attractions.
Read more »
Raid on illegal Bukit Mertajam e-waste processing plant sees 11 nabbedEach morning Indian farmer R Murali opens an app on his phone to check if his pomegranate trees need watering, fertiliser or are at risk from pests.
Read more »
Malaysia Takes Lead in Combating Illegal Electronic Waste TraffickingMalaysia, as the current ASEAN chair, plans to address the issue of electronic waste trafficking at both regional and global levels. The Deputy Minister of MITI emphasizes the need for international collaboration and source country responsibility in curbing this illicit trade.
Read more »
Miri mayor urges residents to manage waste responsibly as illegal dumping grows rampant in cityMIRI, Jan 18 — Miri mayor Adam Yii called on all Mirians to be responsible in handling their waste, particularly large-sized waste, in view of the increasingly serious illegal...
Read more »