ELECTRONIC waste valued at nearly RM20 million was seized by the Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) during an integrated enforcement operation targeting illegal e-waste processing activities across the state.
Deputy Commander of the Sarawak GOF, ACP Rosdi Inai, said the “Op Hazard 2.0 Sarawak” operation was conducted last Monday between 10am and 9pm, involving six coordinated raids in Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Sibu, and Bintulu.
A total of 20 individuals were arrested in connection with the operation, including 13 Malaysians (12 men and one woman aged between 24 and 58) and seven foreign nationals (six men and one woman aged between 21 and 32).
“The six raids were carried out at locations suspected of operating without valid licences to process electronic waste,” Rosdi said in a statement today.
Inspections uncovered a significant quantity of suspected unprocessed e-waste, worn-out electronics, and specialised equipment, with an estimated total value of RM19,638,213.45.
According to Rosdi, the syndicate is believed to have illegally sourced electronic waste from surrounding areas and transported it to Peninsular Malaysia for dismantling to extract precious metals such as gold, silver, and copper.
“It is understood that this syndicate also operates in remote premises to avoid detection by the authorities,” he added.
All suspects have been handed over to the police and the Immigration Department, while the seized materials were transferred to the Sarawak Department of Environment and the D4 Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and action. - June 18, 2025
