Cross-Border E-Waste Network Suspected as RM187 Million Bust Uncovers Large-Scale Illegal Operations
KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 – A major enforcement operation targeting illegal e-waste processing has uncovered what authorities believe could be part of a cross-border trafficking network exploiting Malaysia as a processing hub.
The General Operations Force (GOF) Central Brigade dismantled operations across 14 premises in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor under Ops Hazard 3.0, seizing electronic waste materials worth an estimated RM187 million.
Commander SAC Hakemal Hawari said approximately 1,400 tonnes of e-waste-related materials were confiscated, including discarded electronic components, scrap materials, and processed outputs.
The scale of the seizure suggests a highly organised operation that may have been running undetected for several years.
Possible International Supply Chain Behind Operation
Preliminary investigations indicate that much of the e-waste was likely imported from overseas before being processed locally in unlicensed facilities.
This raises serious concerns that Malaysia may be functioning as a processing destination within a broader international e-waste supply chain, bypassing environmental regulations in other countries.
Authorities are now focusing on identifying the masterminds behind the operation, as no owners or key operators have been detained so far.
“So far, only workers have been arrested. Efforts are ongoing to track down those responsible for orchestrating the operation,” Hakemal said.
Foreign Workers Exploited in Illegal Facilities
The operation led to the detention of 56 foreign workers from China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, aged between 30 and 50.
Investigators found that they were working without valid permits and were paid relatively low wages, suggesting possible labour exploitation within the syndicate.
The facilities are believed to have been operating for two to three years, highlighting gaps in enforcement and monitoring of illegal industrial activities.
Multi-Agency Crackdown Targets Financial and Environmental Crimes
The raids were conducted with support from multiple agencies, including the Police Air Wing, Bukit Aman’s Anti-Money Laundering Unit, the Department of Environment, local authorities, and the Inland Revenue Board.
This coordinated approach allows authorities to address not only environmental violations but also financial crimes such as money laundering and tax evasion.
Investigations are being carried out under several laws, including the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Clear Warning Against Organised Environmental Crime
Hakemal emphasised that the operation sends a strong signal to criminal networks attempting to use Malaysia as a base for illegal waste processing.
He warned that enforcement efforts will continue to intensify, particularly against syndicates operating across borders.
With the scale of the seizure and the complexity of the operation, Ops Hazard 3.0 marks a significant step in Malaysia’s broader fight against organised environmental crime and illicit waste trafficking.
-wilayah.com.my
