Illegal gambling: Business owners may lose licence
This is a drastic measure that we have to take against the offenders who put up a front as operating normal business (sundry shops or telecommunication shops). — DSP Lim Jaw Shyong, Padawan District police deputy chief
KUCHING: The Padawan District police are in talks with the Padawan Municipal Council to cancel the licence of business premises used as a front for illegal gambling activities.
Padawan District police deputy chief DSP Lim Jaw Shyong said this is part of the effort by the police in the district to eradicate illegal lottery and online gambling activities.
“This is a drastic measure that we have to take against the offenders who put up a front as operating normal business (sundry shops or telecommunication shops),” said Lim in a statement yesterday.
He added that offender(s) can be charged in court under the Common Gambling Houses Act 1953 and the Prevention of Crime Act 1959.
On Aug 21, the police together with Sarawak Energy Berhad disconnected the electricity supply to eight premises in Matang and Batu Kawa when they were found to be involved in illegal gambling activities.
Lim added that the operation was carried out under Section 21A(1) of the Common Gambling Houses Act 1953.
Between Jan 1 and Aug 21 the Padawan District police disconnected the electricity supply to a total of 48 premises with 19 carried out this month.
Meanwhile, Lim also disclosed that the suspect who was involved in the road bullying case at Jalan Arang to Batu Kawa on Aug 17 has been charged in the Kuching court on Aug 21.
“The suspect pleaded not guilty to two charges under Section 427 of the Penal Code,” he added.
One of the charges, he said for road bullying while the other charge was for breaking down a door while under remand.
The court has fixed a RM8,000 bail for both charges which he failed to pay.