‘Bullet recycling plant’ found in raid on illegal e-waste factory in Malaysia
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A “kitchen” was found within the factory, where the casings and bullets were in various states of smelting.
PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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KUALA LANGAT - A “bullet recycling plant” has been uncovered for the first time in a police raid on an illegal e-waste processing factory here.
“The factory has been operating for two years, recycling e-waste illegally. We found bullet casings, fired bullets, and live ones as well,” said Mr Mohamad Suzrin Mohamad Rodhi, deputy director of the Internal Security and Public Order Department.
He said that approximately 50 tonnes were found in the course of the raid at the Telok Panglima Garang factory, and added that investigations are under way to determine their source.
“We believe it was from outside Malaysia,” he said.
A “kitchen” was found within the factory, where the casings and bullets were in various states of smelting. Some had already been formed into metal bars ready for export.
The raid is part of Op Hazard and was conducted by the Central Brigade General Operations Force, alongside the municipal council and Environment Department.
Around 70 to 80 workers were held for inspection during the raid.
Mr Mohamad Suzrin said these e-waste and recycling operations were also causing significant environmental damage.
“They retrieve the valuable bits and leave the dangerous parts here, leading to more damage,” he said.
Mr Azlan Ahmad, the Environment Department’s head of dangerous materials, said many hazards were found at the factory.
“For example, the smelting area had no proper ventilation for the smoke,” he said.
Mr Azlan added that a special permit was required to recycle ammunition and that it was an offence to do so without permission.
“Ammunition is listed under explosive materials, and this is the first time it has been found in such a raid. We are viewing the matter seriously,” he said. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
