![[UPDATED] RM66.6mil worth of e-waste seized in DOE's Op Hazard raids nationwide](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2Fhm24wast1sd_1753948613.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
[UPDATED] RM66.6mil worth of e-waste seized in DOE's Op Hazard raids nationwide
DOE's principal assistant director of the Hazardous Materials Division, Thahirah Kamarulzaman, said the seizures were the result of joint enforcement raids on 42 illegal e-waste premises, out of 122 inspected across the country.
She said Op Hazard 1.0 was carried out from Feb 14 to 16, while Op Hazard 2.0 took place on June 16 and 17.
"Relevant legislation regarding e-waste includes Section 18 and Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 1989, and the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005.
"For import activities, it is governed by the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023, and for export under the Customs (Prohibition of Exports) Order 2023," she explained during a presentation on e-waste issues on Thursday.
Meanwhile, DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar warned that improper management and indiscriminate disposal of e-waste could have severe implications for both human health and the environment.
He said the DOE has introduced various initiatives to improve e-waste management, including the expansion of licensed e-waste recovery facilities.
"To date, 128 licensed recovery facilities are operating nationwide," he noted.
In addition, the department is also enhancing public awareness campaigns to encourage the safe disposal of used electrical and electronic appliances.
He urged the public and industry players to take responsibility by channelling e-waste to licensed recovery facilities in an environmentally friendly manner.
Op Hazard was conducted in collaboration with multiple agencies, including the police, Immigration Department, Energy Commission, Health Ministry, Inland Revenue Board and Companies Commission of Malaysia.
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