Illegal E Waste Factories May Be Linked To Organised Crime

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The police have not ruled out the possibility that illegal e-waste processing activities nationwide are linked to organised crime, said Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said that although investigations under Op Hazard began under the Firearms Act 1960, police expect to uncover something bigger.
“Police are investigating the possibility of organised crime or national security elements being involved. I will leave it to the police’s expertise to determine the direction of this investigation,” he said.
Saifuddin told reporters this after surveying illegal e-waste processing premises at Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor, today. It was raided during Op Hazard on Feb 15, leading to the discovery of almost 50 tonnes of shell casings, bullets, and live ammunition.
Saifuddin said the investigation into the case is ongoing and the intelligence reports indicate there are still illegal e-waste processing premises in operation and that they are now under scrutiny.
“I received a preliminary briefing from (Selangor police chief) Hussein Omar Khan at Bukit Aman two days ago and the investigation is showing very positive developments.
“However, I will not announce any findings for now so as not to interfere with the investigation,” he said.
The minister added that police are also hunting for a foreigner believed to be an owner of the illegal e-waste processing companies involved.
He also confirmed the total value of seizures from these operations since last year was estimated at RM3.9 billion.
He said the country’s laws under the supervision of the Department of Environment only allow the processing of domestic waste and the licences issued are only for processing domestic waste sources.
“I understand that over 50 licences have been granted to entrepreneurs.
“However, if the source of the waste comes from abroad, it is not provided for in the law, making this type of e-waste processing activity illegal,” he said.
- Bernama

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