ALOR SETAR, May 6 — The Northern Brigade General Operations Force (GOF) raided a factory in Sungai Petani suspected of illegally processing plastic waste, arresting a man and seizing equipment and materials worth about RM8.63 million.
Its commander SAC Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh said the raid was conducted under Op Taring Alpha 5 by the GOF Battalion Three Intelligence Branch, in collaboration with the Kedah Environment Department (DOE), the Sungai Petani Municipal Council (MPSP), and the Kuala Muda district police headquarters' Criminal Investigation Division.
“The operation followed intelligence on a premise believed to be carrying out plastic waste processing activities without approval from the authorities in the Sungai Petani area,” he said in a statement today.
The plastic waste and raw materials were sourced from industrial areas in Kedah and Penang.
Among the items seized were plastic processing machinery, related equipment, and about 200 tonnes of unprocessed plastic stored in jumbo bags.
Balveer added that the case has been handed over to the Kedah DOE for further investigation under Section 34A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, which provides for a fine of up to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both, along with an additional fine of RM1,000 for each day the offence continues after notice is issued.
MPSP also issued an RM1,000 compound to the premises owner under Act 171 of the MPSP By-Laws on Licensing of Premises, Trade, Business and Industry 2017.
“The GOF Northern Brigade will not hesitate to take action against any party involved in illegal plastic processing, as such activities pose serious risks to the environment and public safety.
“Enforcement and intelligence efforts will continue to be intensified to detect, combat and curb illegal activities. Members of the public with information are urged to come forward to assist in immediate action,” he said.
The police also arrested a local man in his 50s, believed to be the owner of the premises. Initial investigations found the facility had been operating since 2021 without any prior raids.
The premises were equipped to process plastic waste into plastic pellets, which were then supplied to factories in Kedah and Penang for further manufacturing.
