PETALING JAYA: Tougher penalties and stricter enforcement are crucial to rein in Malaysia’s booming illegal scrap metal trade, say two former police top brass. Shanmugamoorthy said thefts targeting public infrastructure were often intricate and required technical skill, with foreign scrap collectors increasingly being involved. He also suggested better engagement with scrap metal traders’ associations and greater transparency in procurement tenders. Criminologist Datuk Seri A. Thaiveegan said to further regulate the scrap metal industry, closer monitoring could be adopted. “I believe many scrap metal operators are law-abiding and ethical.

Source: The Star January 06, 2026 02:15 UTC