![[UPDATED] Toxic take-down: Cops seize over RM500mil in e-waste crackdown](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2Fe-waste1906_1750321522.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
[UPDATED] Toxic take-down: Cops seize over RM500mil in e-waste crackdown
KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities have seized over half a billion ringgit worth of e-waste products and equipment in the Federal Police's latest nationwide crackdown on illegal e-waste processing plants.
The Inland Revenue Board (IRB), one of the supporting agencies involved in the operation, estimated that these premises had also evaded more than RM500 million in taxes.
Bukit Aman's Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim said a total of 453 people were arrested during the most recent enforcement round, which targeted 57 premises on June 16.
"A total of 12 agencies took part in the operation, dubbed Op Hazard 2.0, which was conducted from June 16 to today. It was led by the police in collaboration with the Department of Environment and the IRB.
"We estimate seizures as well as losses to government revenue from this latest operation at RM1.003 billion, comprising RM240 million in e-waste, RM182 million in e-waste components, RM50 million in scrap materials, and RM32 million in other equipment," he said, adding that the IRB had estimated at least RM500 million in tax evasion by the operators.
Azmi said that 916 people were screened during the integrated operation, resulting in 453 arrests — including 382 men, 70 women, and one minor — aged between 16 and 70.
"From Jan 1, 2024 to till today, we have recorded total seizures valued at RM5.18 billion, with 1,061 arrests and 167 investigation papers opened in connection with e-waste activities under Op E-Waste 1.0, Op E-Waste 2.0, Op Hazard 1.0, and now Op Hazard 2.0," he said.
The 57 raided premises were located in Selangor (16), Sabah (12), Kedah and Sarawak (6 each), Perak and Johor (5 each), Penang (4), Kelantan (2) and Terengganu (1)
Of the 453 people arrested, only 41 were Malaysians. The rest were foreigners from China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Cambodia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Nepal.
Azmi said intelligence had been obtained on more premises allegedly operating illegally, but on the day of the raids, many of them were found to be closed.
"This raises concerns as to whether some operators may have been tipped off in advance," he said.
He added that the police would be consulting the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the possibility of insider leaks.
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The Star
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RM500mil worth of illegal e-waste seized
Major bust: Comm Azmi speaking at a press conference on Ops Hazard 2.0 in Bukit Aman. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: A staggering half a billion ringgit worth of illegal e-waste, including components and products, was seized in a nationwide operation involving 57 premises. Codenamed Ops Hazard 2.0, the multi-agency raid was spearheaded by the police's General Operations Force and uncovered a web of crimes, possible tax evasion and exploitation of foreign labour. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Comm Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim said 453 people, aged between 16 and 70, were arrested, with 41 of them Malaysians, while the rest were foreigners from countries including Myanmar, Bangladesh, Cambodia and the Philippines. The Inland Revenue Board also estimated potential tax evasion losses of up to RM500mil linked to the illegal operations, he said. 'Among the offences detected were conducting illegal e-waste processing business, employing undocumented migrants and operating without valid business licences,' Comm Azmi said during a press conference at Bukit Aman yesterday. Seized items included RM240mil worth of e-waste products, RM182mil in components and RM82mil in various other assets. He said the latest operation brings the total value of seized e-waste materials since January to RM13.2bil, with 1,060 individuals detained. 'Ops Hazard 2.0 has increased the pressure on the illegal e-waste industry,' Comm Azmi said, adding that syndicates are adapting by using proxies, exploiting loopholes and possibly even receiving tip-offs ahead of raids. In some cases, targeted premises were found already closed when enforcement teams arrived, raising suspicions of information leaks. 'We will work with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to curb this problem. We also believe the syndicates have become more cautious since Ops Hazard 1.0,' he said. A total of 1,582 officers and personnel were involved in Ops Hazard 2.0. Meanwhile, Environment Department enforcement division director Rosli Zul revealed a worrying twist: seven of the raided premises were licensed e-waste processors, now under investigation for allegedly importing waste illegally. 'These facilities had valid licences, but we found some e-waste materials believed to have been smuggled in from overseas,' he said. 'We have to investigate further. If confirmed, it would represent a very serious violation of the law.' Malaysia, Rosli added, continues to be targeted by international e-waste syndicates. 'Over 600 containers have already been detected at Port Klang. Many were falsely declared as recyclable items but actually contained e-waste. 'Most of these illegal factories lack proper environmental control mechanisms. The pollution resulting from their operations is highly dangerous,' he warned.
The Sun
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