Police busted six metal factories across three states yesterday and grabbed equipment worth over 96 million ringgit. The factories were selling construction materials that failed safety tests. Officers found thousands of steel bars, metal sheets, and cutting machines that should never have made it to building sites. The raids happened at businesses that import and process metal products for construction companies. Factory owners had been putting dangerous materials into the market without proper approval certificates.
Cops seized 11,000 steel rebar pieces and more than 152,000 hollow steel bars during the surprise visits. They also took 4,393 flat metal bars and 2,432 coils of galvanized steel sheets. Three forklifts and 152 gas cylinders were among the confiscated items. The total haul was valued at exactly 96,350,231 ringgit. Multiple types of metal cutting machines were also removed from the premises.
The factories broke several laws during their operations. Workers could not show valid certificates for imported iron and metal products used in construction. Many finished metal products lacked proper approval from the Construction Industry Development Board. Some materials appeared to be smuggled into the country without legal documentation. The businesses also hired foreign workers without proper permits.
Officers detained 60 people during the operation across all six locations. Three local men and 57 foreign nationals were questioned about various violations. The workers ranged from 26 to 59 years old. Immigration officials took custody of those with visa problems. Authorities issued 12,000 ringgit worth of fines to the companies involved.
Cops seized 11,000 steel rebar pieces and more than 152,000 hollow steel bars during the surprise visits. They also took 4,393 flat metal bars and 2,432 coils of galvanized steel sheets. Three forklifts and 152 gas cylinders were among the confiscated items. The total haul was valued at exactly 96,350,231 ringgit. Multiple types of metal cutting machines were also removed from the premises.
The factories broke several laws during their operations. Workers could not show valid certificates for imported iron and metal products used in construction. Many finished metal products lacked proper approval from the Construction Industry Development Board. Some materials appeared to be smuggled into the country without legal documentation. The businesses also hired foreign workers without proper permits.
Officers detained 60 people during the operation across all six locations. Three local men and 57 foreign nationals were questioned about various violations. The workers ranged from 26 to 59 years old. Immigration officials took custody of those with visa problems. Authorities issued 12,000 ringgit worth of fines to the companies involved.
