KUALA LUMPUR: The police have arrested 14,759 individuals and seized RM3.8 million in cash and 10,361 pieces of equipment in operations against illegal gambling activities in the country since early January.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigations Department director Datuk Huzir Mohamed said 8,775 illegal gambling premises were raided between January 1 and June 22, with 92 operators arrested.
Police also identified 160 gambling syndicates believed to be actively operating in Selangor, Kedah, Penang and Pahang.
“We found that the most sought after gambling activity is the public lottery with 120 syndicates operating this service.
“Besides this, we also identified 37 syndicates involved in online gambling,” he told a media conference in Bukit Aman here, today.
Huzir warned that owners and tenants found to have allowed their premises to be used for gambling activities would not be spared from police action.
“Those found to be involved will face action under Section 4(1)(a), Section 4(1)(b), Section 4(1)(c) dan Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953,” he said.
Police, he added, were also working with local authorities and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on the crackdown.
He said to date, MCMC has been asked to block 1,270 websites promoting gambling activities.
Telecommunication operators such as Telekom Malaysia, Celcom, Maxis, U-Mobile, Digi were also working with the police in blocking gambling-related SMS, Huzir said.
"Local authorities have been advised to revoke the licences of business premises used by individuals selling lotteries without valid permits.
“In this regard, the local authorities in Johor have been working closely with the police and revoked business licences of five outlets in Johor Baru Selatan, two in Mersing and three in Kluang.” he said. -- BERNAMA