Cops start operation to disconnect power to premises used for illegal gambling
KUCHING: The district police here have started an operation to disconnect electricity supply to a total of 238 premises which have been identified to be used for illegal gambling.
Kuching district police chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah said the premises were identified based on the raids which were conducted between January and June this year.
“We will conduct this operation together with Sesco in stages until completion,” said Ahsmon to reporters after witnessing the operation which was conducted at two premises in Jalan Poh Kwong Park yesterday.
He added that the operation is carried out under Section 21A of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953. Under the Act, police may request for an electricity supply to be disconnected if there is a reasonable belief that the premises is used for gambling activities.
Ahsmon revealed that, from January to June this year, the district police had conducted a total of 304 raids which saw the arrest of 272 individuals made up of locals and foreigners.
Out of the 304 raids, 238 involved illegal gambling inside a premises while the others were conducted outside premises such as along the five-foot way of a commercial shoplot.
Meanwhile, Ahsmon said police will conduct a review to determine if a premises will be allowed to have their electricity reconnected by Sesco.
“Our message is clear – to tackle illegal gambling in Kuching as there are members of the public who came forward with information for us to take action,” said Ahsmon.
He added that the illegal gambling operators are constantly changing their modus operandi to hide their activities from the police.
During the raids, some of the suspects were found to be selling online gambling top-ups or illegal lottery at shops, motels, handphone shops, convenience stores or even at a small stall in a market.
“This is to cover their tracks and also to prevent police from coming up with an effective strategy to tackle the crime,” he added.