Environment department DG, deputy among four remanded in e-waste corruption probe

PUTRAJAYA (Jan 30): The Department of Environment (DoE) director-general, deputy director-general, and an assistant environmental control officer have been remanded for seven days from today, to assist investigations into a case involving the management of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste).

Another individual, a member of the public, was also remanded for three days until Sunday, in connection with the same investigation.

The remand order was issued by Magistrate Ezrene Zakariah following an application by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) at the Putrajaya Magistrates’ Court.

Earlier, the four individuals, clad in orange lock-up attire and handcuffed, arrived at the court compound at about 9.30am, under the escort of MACC officers.

Media reports on Thursday stated that the two senior officers were detained at around 6.30pm, after giving statements at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.

It is understood that the MACC investigation is currently focusing on allegations of abuse of power and corruption, linked to the management of e-waste, believed to have occurred over the past several years.

MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, who confirmed the arrests, said the investigation is being conducted thoroughly and professionally, in accordance with existing legal provisions.

He said the commission would not compromise with any party involved in corrupt practices, regardless of their position or rank.

The case is being investigated under the MACC Act 2009. — Bernama