KUCHING: Authorities have seized RM76.4 million worth of processed and unprocessed electronic waste (e-waste) components in a statewide integrated operation last Saturday (Feb 15).
Codenamed ‘Op Hazard’, the operation involved personnel from the General Operations Force (GOF) 10th, 11th, 23rd, and 12th Battalions, Sarawak Department of Environment (Doe), and local authorities.
Sarawak GOF Brigade commander SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang said it was the first operation of its kind to enforce laws against premises processing e-waste without a valid permit or licence from the DoE.
“Between 10 am and 3.43 pm, teams carried out eight separate raids and inspections across Kuching (three locations), Miri (two), Serian, Sri Aman, and Sibu.
“In these raids, 21 individuals, aged between 21 and 56, were arrested. They comprised nine locals and 12 foreigners.
“Further inspections led to the seizure of 508.6 tonnes of processed e-waste components, 355.5 tonnes of unprocessed e-waste components, 758.6 tonnes of scrap metal, 17 heavy machinery, and 71 various machines and equipment,” he said in a statement.
The total seizure value was amounted to RM76,417,380, including RM50,507,350 for processed e-waste components, RM7,441,530 for unprocessed e-waste, RM7,586,000 for scrap metal, RM6,450,000 for heavy machinery, RM4,025,000 for various machines and equipment, and RM407,500 for other seizures.
He added that the suspects were handed over to the respective district police headquarters (IPDs) 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, Immigration Act 1959/63, Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulations 2005, and Local Authorities (Cleanliness) By-Laws 1999.
Che Ghazali said investigations revealed that the suspects illegally imported e-waste from abroad before extracting valuable metals such as gold, silver, and copper for recycling.
“These suspects operated in remote locations to evade detection,” he said.
E-waste, if not properly disposed of, poses severe risks to the environment and human health. It can cause pollution through the release of toxic substances, contaminate water sources, and emit harmful gases.
Exposure to e-waste pollutants can lead to respiratory issues, nervous system disorders, skin diseases, and even cancer.
Inefficient e-waste management also contributes to social and economic issues, including an unhealthy employment ecosystem and high disposal costs for the government and private sector.
Following this, Che Ghazali urged all premises involved in e-waste processing to obtain valid permits or licenses from the DOE to ensure proper waste management and compliance with environmental regulations.
