Nationwide crackdown on illegal gambling begins

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have started to crack down on illegal gambling nationwide by raiding numerous gambling premises in Selangor and arresting several masterminds behind the operations.

They have been detained under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca), as well as under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

“Police have used all related acts to arrest the operators. If we found that they are linked to gangs or have their activities protected by them, we would use Sosma to arrest them,” said Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid.

He added that some operators had gone into hiding following the crackdown, but gave his assurance that police would hunt them down.

Noor Rashid said even the owners of the premises were not spared.

“They must be responsible for what their premises are used for.

“If we find out that they are aware of the activities happening in their premises and that they try to cover them up, we will take action against them.”

Noor Rashid said police were aware that some gambling operators abused the entertainment licence to run gambling businesses.

“We will make sure that action is taken against these operators.”

He said police had also received information that some illegal gambling premises had started providing handphones and tablets instead of desktop computers to their walk-in customers.

In September, Noor Rashid announced that police were set to launch its largest ever crackdown on illegal gambling nationwide with the setting up of an illegal gambling action committee.

The crackdown is the largest operation against illegal gambling ever carried out, as it involves the national, state, district and station police forces nationwide.