Clamp down on gambling premises, urges rep
MIRI: Pujut assemblyman Fong Pau Teck wants the state government to take stern action against gambling premises that are mushrooming in the city of late.
In a press statement received here yesterday, Fong said the uncontrolled number of such premises had caused many youngsters to become addicted to gambling and caused families to fall apart due to heavy debt.
“I have personally received many complaints from the people, voicing their worries of the impact the scourge has on their children. Young people choose to gamble rather than work to earn their living.
“They are taking an easy step thinking that money comes easily with just some luck,” he said.
He said the battle against illegal gambling would take more than just one agency but many relevant authorities to thoroughly bring the syndicate to book.
“Miri City Council should carefully screen businesses before issuing permits to the applicants while the police have to do their part - seize all the gambling machines.”
Fong also said he had written to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem to voice his concern hoping he would take the necessary action on the matter.
“Our chief minister is a man of his word in combating corruption in the state. I hope he will do the same for gambling,” he said.