14 ditahan, e-sisa lebih RM9 juta dirampas di Ipoh

In a raid on three premises around Ipoh last Monday, the North Brigade of the Perak State Force (PGA) apprehended 14 individuals aged between 20 and 50 years. The operation resulted in the seizure of 120,220kg of electronic waste (e-waste) valued at approximately RM9.39 million, along with various machinery and tools. Among the 14 suspects were two local men believed to be premises owners and 12 foreign Myanmar nationals, comprising eight men and four women.

The suspects were arrested by the North Brigade as part of an anti-e-waste processing syndicate, which allegedly operated without the necessary approval from the Environment Department (JAS).

The raid also uncovered a significant amount of e-waste stored in large bags and scattered around the three premises. The PGA force handed over all seized items to the JAS Perak for further investigation under Section 18(1), 25(1), 34A, and 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Simultaneously, the Immigration Department launched an investigation under Section 6(1)(c), 55B, and 55E of the Immigration Act 1959/63, while the Inland Revenue Department conducted an inquiry under Section 113(1)(a) of the Income Tax Act 1967.

This operation involved 28 officers and personnel from the North Brigade headquarters and Brigade 18 PGA, working in coordination with the JAS Perak, Perak Immigration, LHDN, and other authorities. The incident highlights the illegal nature of e-waste processing and its potential negative impact on the environment and public health. Cooperation among various agencies is essential to combat such activities, which not only violate laws but also harm the environment and public health.