MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said the agency conducted an integrated operation with the immigration and environment departments, with raids on 12 factories in Selangor and Johor today.

He said the factories are believed to be involved in the unlawful processing and disposal of e-waste, including fibreglass, plastic, iron and metal.

“Sixteen people aged 30 to 40 were arrested in Selangor and Segamat, Johor, between 9.30am and noon.

“Some of the suspects are believed to be company owners who bribed enforcement officers to protect their businesses,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

Khusairi said the operation followed three months of intelligence. Those arrested were brought to the Melaka MACC headquarters this evening and detained after having their statements recorded.

The case is being investigated under Section 16(b)(A) of the MACC Act 2009 for giving gratification.

It was reported last Thursday that the crackdown by police and environment departments nationwide on illegal e-waste operations had led to RM3.8 billion in seizures between Jan 1, 2024, and Feb 17 this year.