Malaysia raids illegal e-waste recycling facilities

Major raids in Penang, Perak and Johor to combat illegal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling operations in Malaysia have led to multiple arrests and the seizure of e-waste, machinery and even bullets and parts of a commercial airplane.

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JOHOR BAHRU -

In Kota Tinggi, Johor, police made a shocking discovery at an illegal scrap-processing factory — more than 46,000kg of e-waste, parts of a commercial plane and ammunition.

Kota Tinggi police chief Yusof Othman said the March 7 raid at an industrial area led to the arrest of three foreign suspects — a Chinese national and a Myanmar couple.

The seized haul included 46,214kg of electronic items, 103,983kg of compacted electronic components, 369,954kg of copper, 29,085kg of metal scrap, 22,791kg of compacted electrical wires and 43 iron coils.

Superintendent Yusof said police also seized 10 barrels containing lead balls and iron powder, seven barrels of bullet casings, a barrel containing ammunition, three forklifts, a car and three cellphones.

The total value of the seized items was about RM23.8 million (S$7.2 million).