KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Police have crippled an illegal electronic waste (e-waste) collection and storage operation in Senawang, Negeri Sembilan, seizing items valued at an estimated RM7.78 million during a raid yesterday.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the 10.30 am raid was carried out by the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence (WCB/PSK).
He said the integrated operation, codenamed Op Taring E-Waste, also involved the Negeri Sembilan Contingent Police Headquarters, state Department of Environment (DOE), SWCorp Nilai, Seremban City Council, and Syarikat Air Negeri Sembilan.
"A thorough inspection revealed a large quantity of electrical and electronic items stored in bulk, including heaps of e-waste, jumbo bags, and pallets containing electronic components.
"The total seizure is estimated at RM7.781 million, with e-waste alone accounting for RM7.725 million involving 309 tonnes of e-waste, along with various machinery and 750 kg of solar pallets," he said in a statement tonight.
Mohd Yusri said 11 Bangladeshi men aged between 27 and 49, comprising a supervisor and 10 general workers, were detained to assist investigations.
He said some of the men were suspected of travel document offences, adding that all those detained were taken to the Seremban District Police Headquarters for further action.
"Checks by the DOE revealed that the premises lacked a valid licence for scheduled e-waste management and storage, with action taken under the Environmental Quality Act 1974," he said.
In a related development, Mohd Yusri noted that between Jan 1 and Sept 19 this year, WCB/PSK conducted 264 raids nationwide, detaining 452 individuals and seizing goods worth over RM329.6 million.
He also urged the public and industrial players to channel information to authorities regarding any suspected illegal e-waste collection, storage or management activities.
-- BERNAMA