Selangor: The Central Brigade General Operations Force (GOF) has dismantled illegal electronic waste (e-waste) processing activities in 14 premises across Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor under the integrated operations, dubbed Ops Hazard 3.0, on Monday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Central Brigade GOF commander SAC Hakemal Hawari stated that the seizures included 1,400 tonnes of e-waste, scrap materials, and processed end-products, with a total estimated value of RM187 million. A total of 56 foreign workers from China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, aged between 30 and 50, believed to be employed at the facilities, were also detained.

Preliminary investigations indicate that these illegal factories hired workers without valid permits, offering low wages ranging from RM1,000 to RM1,200 a month. These operations are suspected to have been active for the past two to three years. Authorities believe that the e-waste was imported for processing at these facilities; however, no owners of the premises, whether local or foreign, have been apprehended so far.

Hakemal noted that raids were conducted at 10 locations in Selangor and two each in Negeri Sembilan and Johor, involving multiple agencies, including the Police Air Wing, the Bukit Aman Anti-Money Laundering Unit, the Department of Environment (DOE), local authorities, and the Inland Revenue Board. The case is currently under investigation under several laws, including the Environmental Quality Act 1974, the Income Tax Act 1967, the Immigration Act 1959/63, and the Anti-Money Laundering Act.