Simpang pulai: The General Operations Force (GOF) conducted an enforcement operation this morning, leading to the seizure of various types of copper materials, machines, and equipment valued at RM8,586,000 from an unlicensed factory.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Northern Brigade (Ulu Kinta) GOF Commander, SAC Shahrum Hashim, reported that a local man was detained during the operation, dubbed Op Hazard. The operation was supported by the Perak Inland Revenue Board, the Batu Gajah Municipal Council, and the Perak Department of Environment (DOE).

The factory, which processes copper dust and raw materials into copper scrap, was suspected of exporting these materials. Intelligence gathered over the past month suggested that the operation had been running for approximately a year. Inspections revealed that the factory lacked the necessary approvals from the DOE.

The case is being investigated under Section 34A and Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. The Perak DOE has issued a stop-work order under Section 38(1)(a) of Act 127. Additionally, there is an ongoing investigation under Section 113(2) of the Income Tax Act 1967 for potential tax declaration violations, which could result in a penalty of 45 percent of the evaded tax if convicted.