Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

Kota Kinabalu: A major single-day enforcement operation targeting illegal electronic waste (e-waste) processing and disposal across Sabah resulted in the arrest of 35 individuals and seizure of items valued at more than RM8 million.

The Op Hazard 3.0 operation was carried out on Monday from 8am to 6pm simultaneously across Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Beluran, Keningau, Lahad Datu, Sook and Semporna.

“Out of the 35 arrested 27 are local men, six local women and two foreigners, aged between 21 and 69,” said Deputy Commander of the Eastern Zone, Sabah Brigade General Operations Force, ACP Andrew Gani Jimmy.

He said all those detained had criminal records.

Seized items included used machinery and equipment, compacted used batteries and chemical liquids, with the total estimated value broken down as follows – machinery and equipment at RM5,985,450, used batteries and compacted solid waste at RM1,948,752 and liquids and chemicals at RM113,345, bringing the total seizure value to RM8,047,547.

Andrew said the operation which involved 212 officers and personnel from six agencies, reflected the commitment to combating illegal e-waste activities that threaten both the environment and public safety.

All those arrested and seized items have been handed over to the relevant agencies for further action.

Suspects face investigation under several provisions of the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005, including offences relating to the handling, labelling and storage of scheduled waste.

Upon conviction, penalties range from fines of up to RM10,000 and imprisonment of up to two years, to fines not exceeding RM100,000 with imprisonment of up to five years, depending on the charge.

 Andrew urged members of the public not to dispose of e-waste such as computers and other electrical equipment at ordinary rubbish dumps.

 “Such items must be sent to authorised collection or recycling centres to prevent environmental contamination and health risks from hazardous substances including lead, mercury and other toxic materials commonly found in electronic waste,” he said.

He said the police, particularly the GOF, is committed to sustaining enforcement momentum consistently and without compromise and called on the public to continue serving as the eyes and ears of authorities by channelling information on suspected illegal e-waste disposal or processing activities in their areas.