Massive Nationwide Crackdown: RM55 Million in Illegal E-Waste Seized Across Malaysia

KLANG: Malaysian authorities have dealt a major blow to illegal e-waste operations after raiding 110 locations nationwide and seizing more than RM55.2 million worth of electronic waste and scrap materials.

The large-scale enforcement effort, known as Ops Hazard 3.0, targeted unlicensed e-waste processing activities suspected of posing serious environmental and public health risks while violating national regulations.

According to Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (General Operations Force) deputy director, Deputy Comm Datuk Mohamad Suzrin Mohamad Rodhi, 87 of the raided premises were actively involved in e-waste processing, including 14 illegal factories. An additional seven locations are still undergoing investigation.

The operation, which began as early as 7 am, deployed significant resources, including 293 enforcement assets such as cars, vans, lorries, and drones, highlighting the scale and coordination behind the crackdown.

Authorities screened 729 individuals, consisting of both locals and foreigners. From that number, 205 individuals were detained, including Malaysians, foreign nationals, and undocumented migrants.

In terms of seizures, enforcement teams confiscated over 316,000kg of e-waste and 388,000kg of scrap materials, along with thousands of kilograms of additional items. The total estimated value of the seized materials stands at RM55.22 million.

Local councils also issued 342 compounds amounting to RM82,450 against operators found to be in violation of existing regulations.

Investigations revealed that illegally processed e-waste was being exported to third countries, including China, where valuable materials such as aluminum, tin, copper, and gold are extracted from discarded electronic components.

Officials emphasized that Ops Hazard 3.0 is part of ongoing efforts to combat environmental pollution and curb the illegal import and processing of electronic waste in Malaysia.

The operation brought together 1,611 personnel from multiple agencies, including the police, Department of Environment, Inland Revenue Board, Immigration Department, and local authorities.

Further details on the nationwide crackdown are expected to be announced by the Inspector-General of Police in an upcoming press conference later this week.