Negeri sembilan: Negeri Sembilan police have busted illegal electronic waste (e-waste) processing operations, with seized items estimated to be worth more than RM47 million, following separate raids on three factory premises in the district over the past two months.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said the raids, conducted under Ops Waste, were the result of continuous intelligence gathering by police and related agencies. He revealed that one of the raids was executed at an industrial premises in Nilai on April 15, with two other operations carried out in Kuala Sawah on May 6.
During the Nilai raid, two local men, aged 43 and 37, believed to be caretakers of the premises, were detained to assist in investigations. However, no arrests were made during the operations in Kuala Sawah.
"The Department of Environment (DOE) seized suspected e-waste materials and 39 machines, with the total value estimated at more than RM47.637 million. They also detected three offences under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Amendment) 2024," said Alzafny at a press conference. The Negeri Sembilan DOE director, Abdul Aziz Parmin, was also present.
Moreover, Alzafny stated that the Seremban City Council (MBS) issued compounds under Section 53(1), Section 55(1) of the Advertisement By-Laws, and Section 81(K), mandating all three premises to cease operations immediately for operating without valid approvals and licenses.
He highlighted that the integrated operation involved the Internal Security and Public Order Department of the Negeri Sembilan Police Contingent Headquarters, the Negeri Sembilan DOE, Seremban City Council, and the Negeri Sembilan office of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living. Police and the relevant agencies will continue their monitoring and intelligence operations to curb illegal e-waste processing activities, which could pose risks to public safety, public health, and the environment.
In a separate development, Alzafny mentioned that police would continue monitoring social media for comments containing elements of provocation, incitement, or interference that could disrupt public order in the state concerning the ongoing crisis in Negeri Sembilan. Police are finalizing investigation papers to be submitted to the Deputy Public Prosecutor's Office for further action.