RM410 Mln Illegal E-waste Processing Syndicate Busted In Pekan, Gebeng Raids

KUANTAN, Feb 17 (Bernama) -- An illegal electronic waste (e-waste) and scheduled waste processing syndicate, valued at RM410 million, was busted in raids at two separate factories in Pekan and Gebeng on Saturday.

The Southeast Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) announced on Facebook that investigations into the two e-waste and scheduled waste factories revealed that the materials were believed to have been imported from China for processing and resale to foreign markets.

The raids, which began at 10.30 am, involved GOF Southeast Brigade, GOF 7th Battalion, Department of Environment (DOE) of Kuantan and the Pahang State Enforcement Unit, were conducted at the Simpai Palm Oil Estate in Pekan and the Gebeng industrial area.

"As a result of the raid, dozens of sacks containing various types of e-waste and scheduled waste, such as black powder containing copper and nickel, over 670 tonnes of waste containing silver, both processed and unprocessed, mixed scheduled items, various machines, and equipment for waste processing were found in the factory without valid documents from DOE.

"The estimated value of the seized goods is RM410 million. The case is being investigated under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and the National Land Code Act 828. The seized goods have been handed over to Kuantan DOE and the Pahang State Enforcement Unit for further action," according to the statement.

As a result of the operation, a local man and two men from China and Bangladesh, who were overseeing the factory, were arrested to assist with the investigation.

"GOF and DOE will continue to intensify efforts to dispose of e-waste properly to ensure the environment is not polluted by hazardous materials," the statement added.

-- BERNAMA