KUCHING: Authorities have seized RM21.61 million worth of unprocessed electronic waste (e-waste) components and various items in an integrated operation on Monday (Mar 17).
Codenamed ‘Op Hazard’, the operation involved personnel from the Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) Brigade, GOF 10th, 11th, 12th and 23rd Battalions, Sarawak Department of Environment (DoE), and local authorities.
Sarawak GOF Brigade commander SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang said three raids were conducted between 10 am and 4 pm around Kuching.
“The operation conducted for a second time, aim to enforce the laws on premises suspected of processing e-waste without a valid DoE permit.
“During the raids, the team arrested nine individuals, aged between 26 and 55. They consist of eight locals and one foreigner.
“Further inspections led to the seizure of 525.45 tonnes of unprocessed e-waste components, three containers, three heavy machinery, and five various machines and equipment,” he said in a statement.
The total seizure value amounted to RM21,615,500, including RM14,695,500 for unprocessed e-waste, RM2,400,000 for heavy machinery, RM3,020,000 for various machines and equipment, and RM1,500,000 for other seizures.
He added that the suspects were handed over to the respective district police headquarters (IPD) for further action, while the seized items were handed over to Sarawak DOE and relevant local authorities for investigation.
The case is being investigated under the Environmental Quality Act 1974, Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulations 2005, and Laws/Ordinances and Rules of the Padawan Municipal Council.
Che Ghazali pointed out that it is important to obtain a valid DOE permit for processing e-waste, which handling, decomposing, processing and melting waste according to the specified specifications.
“The Sarawak GOF Brigade together with DoE and local authorities remains committed to combat environmental crimes and ensuring compliance with the law,” he said.
From Jan 1 to Mar 17, the Sarawak GOF Brigade recorded enforcement success worth RM197.3 million, involving 78 cases, 186 arrests, and the seizure of 111 vehicles.
