Latest news with #OpHazard
The Star
24-07-2025
- The Star
RM21.25mil in illegal e-waste seized in Kedah, four detained
IPOH: Authorities seized RM21.25mil worth of illegally processed electronic waste (e-waste) during a raid on an unlicensed factory in Mukim Bagan Sena, near Kulim in Kedah on Wednesday (July 23). The joint operation, codenamed 'Op Hazard', was led by the Northern Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) and the Kedah Department of Environment (DOE), following intelligence on illegal e-waste activities at the site. GOF Northern Brigade commander Senior Asst Comm Shahrum Hashim said the factory was operating without a valid licence and was found with compressed e-waste blocks, metal processing equipment and various toxic waste materials. "The seizure included 50,000 kg of suspected e-waste, 20,000 kg of aluminium, 30,000 kg of sludge, piles of dust residue, two forklifts, three bulldozers, three metal smelters, two mixers and a crusher,' he said. Four men, one Malaysian and three foreign nationals from China and Myanmar, aged between 36 and 45, were arrested. Two of them lacked valid travel documents. The case is being investigated under the Environmental Quality Act 1974, Second-Hand Dealers Act 1946 and Immigration Act 1959/63. Shahrum warned that unregulated e-waste handling poses serious risks to public health and the environment due to the potential release of hazardous substances like lead, mercury and cadmium. He added that enforcement efforts will be intensified and urged the public to report illegal activities, particularly in the northern region.- Bernama
Barnama
24-07-2025
- Barnama
RM21.25 Mln In Illegal e-waste Seized In Kedah, Four Detained
IPOH, July 24 (Bernama) -- Authorities seized RM21.25 million worth of illegally processed electronic waste (e-waste) during a raid on an unlicensed factory in Mukim Bagan Sena, near Kulim in Kedah on Wednesday. The joint operation, codenamed 'Op Hazard', was led by the Northern Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) and the Kedah Department of Environment (DOE), following intelligence on illegal e-waste activities at the site. In a statement today, GOF Northern Brigade commander SAC Shahrum Hashim said the factory was operating without a valid licence and was found with compressed e-waste blocks, metal processing equipment and various toxic waste materials.
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Environmental Quality Order 2025 enforcement begins today
KUALA LUMPUR: The Environmental Quality (Delegation of Powers to Government Departments, Local Authorities and Corporations) Order 2025 is now in force after being gazetted yesterday. The Department of Environment (DOE) confirmed the enforcement today, marking a significant step in streamlining environmental protection efforts. DOE director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar explained that delegating powers to multiple agencies will enhance efficiency in addressing environmental violations. He cited the success of recent operations, stating, 'The effectiveness of this approach can be seen in the implementation of two series of Op Hazard, where with the cooperation of various departments and agencies, we managed to seize e-waste worth over RM66 million.' The new order consolidates six previous regulations to simplify enforcement and accelerate on-ground actions. Agencies granted authority under the order include the Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Armed Forces, Health Ministry, Marine Department, Fisheries Department, Fire and Rescue Department, and selected local authorities and corporations. To ensure smooth implementation, guidelines and specialised training will be provided to all involved agencies. This will clarify their responsibilities and jurisdictional limits, preventing overlaps or gaps in enforcement. - Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
19-06-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
RM11.6mil in e-waste seized nationwide
Over 2,000 tonnes of e-waste worth RM11.6 million were seized in raids across 10 states. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : E-waste valued at RM11.6 million has been seized in a coordinated crackdown on illegal recycling operations led by the environmental department (DoE) across 10 states. Dubbed Op Hazard, 69 premises were inspected over two days. This operation revealed that 21 were operating without approval and 12 were located in non-designated areas. Only seven were licensed and 29 were scrap dealers. A total of 2,069.31 tonnes of e-waste were confiscated, DoE said in a statement. The operation was carried out with the support of 181 officers, as well as the general operations force, Federal Reserve Unit and the Wildlife Crime Bureau, all of which come under the police. A total of 24 premises were issued equipment operation detention (POK) notices under Section 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 for using machinery without pollution controls. An additional 59 notices were issued and 18 compound fines were handed out for various offences. Investigation papers have been opened on 25 premises, with suspected offences including unlicensed storage, failure to submit environmental impact assessment reports and disposing of scheduled waste without approval. The DoE said any scheduled waste management activity, including processing of e-waste, conducted without the approval of the department's director-general, constitutes a serious offence under the law.
The Star
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Stronger line of defence in Sabah, S'wak
Ever ready: Saifuddin Nasution (centre, front row) posing for a group photo at the launch of the three battalions at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar. KOTA KINABALU: Three new General Operations Force (GOF) battalions in Sabah and Sarawak will play a significant role in strengthening the country's internal security, says the Home Minister. Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the launch of its operations reaffirmed the police's unwavering commitment to their core duty of safeguarding national security and public order. Speaking at the launch of the three battalions at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar yesterday, he said the key aspects are the readiness of the police force to respond to security threats, the government's continued investment in personnel welfare and operational facilities, and Malaysia's improved ranking in the Global Peace Index. 'This confirms the state of preparedness of our police force for any scenario. We must always be alert, especially in light of past incidents such as the 2013 Lahad Datu incursion,' Saifuddin Nasution said, referring to the security crisis in eastern Sabah over a decade ago. Two of the three battalions are in Sabah. The 21st, 22nd and 23rd GOF battalions are based in Sabah's interior Keningau and its east coast district Kunak, and in Sarawak's Sri Aman, respectively. This brings the total number of GOF battalions nationwide to 23, with a combined strength of around 12,000 personnel. Saifuddin Nasution said the new battalions will enhance the GOF's elite operational capacity across land, sea and air. 'These troops are highly trained. Their recent successes, including multi-billion ringgit seizures under operations like Op Hazard and E-Waste, speak volumes,' he said. The minister also spoke of the government's commitment to ensuring a conducive working environment through budget allocations for improved welfare, office infrastructure and accommodation. 'A well-trained team with poor living conditions and inadequate assets will still be limited. 'So, we are also investing in new equipment and facilities, most of which will be rolled out this year,' he said. On Malaysia's security performance, Saifuddin Nasution said the country's standing in the Global Peace Index is currently in 10th place among more than 160 countries. 'This is no coincidence. It is the result of strategic planning and uncompromising security policies. 'It is also crucial for investor confidence. Safety remains a key metric for any country hoping to attract foreign investments.' Saifuddin Nasution also said the government has approved the development of eight GOF posts, seven in Sarawak and one in Sabah, along the Malaysia-Kalimantan border with an allocation of RM32mil. He said the construction of administrative complexes and staff quarters at Battalion 20 GOF in Beluran, Sabah, and Battalion 10 GOF in Sarikei, Sarawak, is underway. These projects, valued at RM400mil and RM200mil respectively, are expected to be completed within the year. He also announced that the GOF will replace its current operational uniforms with new camouflage attire featuring improved design, colour and pattern.
