KUALA LUMPUR – The revelation of an illegal electronic waste (e-waste) processing plant worth RM1.3 billion operating in Sungai Siput has raised concerns among several Members of Parliament, who now plan to bring the issue to Parliament.
They question how a 4.8-hectare factory could operate for over eight months without any enforcement action and how the Member of Parliament for Sungai Siput, YB S. Kesavan, was unaware of its existence.
“This factory has a laboratory, processing machines, and 10 generators with a water supply from a nearby mining area. How could something of this scale operate illegally without being detected? Is someone protecting it?” asked an MP who wished to remain anonymous.
The Op Hazard raid, conducted by the General Operations Force (PGA) Ulu Kinta alongside the Perak Department of Environment (DOE) last Saturday, resulted in the arrest of 27 individuals, including a Chinese scientist, and the seizure of items worth RM1.3 billion.
Key Questions to Be Raised in Parliament
Several MPs will bring this issue to the Dewan Rakyat, demanding answers from the government and relevant authorities on:
1. How did this factory operate for over eight months without being detected by local authorities?
2. Who is protecting this syndicate? Is corruption involved?
3. How were scheduled wastes from foreign countries, including the United States and Oman, smuggled into Malaysia undetected?
4. Are there weaknesses in monitoring environmental and immigration enforcement?
5. What actions will the government take to ensure such incidents do not happen again?
Chinese Scientist Arrested, Illegal Factory Uncovered
According to enforcement reports, the factory operated under a sophisticated scheme, disguising shipping containers carrying hazardous waste as animal feed and salt to avoid detection.
Additionally, 25 foreign workers, including 11 Chinese men, 10 Myanmar men, and two Myanmar women, were arrested in the raid. A two-year-old child was also found at the scene.
Investigations revealed that the Chinese workers had travel documents but no official records of entry or exit into Malaysia, while the Myanmar workers lacked valid documentation altogether.
The case is now being investigated under:
Section 34A(6) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 for operating without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval.
Section 14 of the same Act for operating without a license.
The Immigration Act 1959/63 for violations related to undocumented workers.
With this shocking revelation, Members of Parliament are demanding a thorough investigation to uncover the true masterminds behind the operation and to ensure that strict action is taken against all those involved.
Will the government act swiftly, or will this issue fade away without any clear resolution?
