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GOF seizes RM9.39m worth of illegal e‑waste in Ipoh raids

Published August 5, 2026 at 8:32 AM UTC

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The Government Operations Force (GOF) announced on Tuesday that it seized illegal electronic waste valued at RM9.39 million during coordinated raids in Ipoh, Perak. Fourteen individuals were taken into custody after investigators uncovered a network that imported, stored and sold discarded computers, phones and other devices without the required permits. The operation, described as one of the largest of its kind in recent years, targeted warehouses and storage yards that were operating outside Malaysia’s strict e-waste regulations. Illegal e-waste poses a serious threat to soil and water quality because hazardous substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium can leach into the environment. Malaysia has tightened its legal framework in line with the Basel Convention, which restricts the trans-boundary movement of hazardous waste. The GOF said the seized items will be handed over to certified recyclers for safe processing, and that the arrested suspects face charges ranging from illegal importation to environmental offences. Authorities warned that further investigations will continue to uncover additional actors involved in the illicit trade, and that penalties will be pursued to deter future violations.