Ahmad Zahid pledges to wipe out illegal gambling

BY AMAR SHAH MOHSEN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday pledged to put an end to all illegal gambling activities in the country.

Speaking at an Aidilfitri celebration at the Desa Tasik police residence here, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the home minister, urged all police chiefs to wipe out gambling dens, saying the efforts in the last four months did not appear to be effective.

“This is the order of the Home Ministry. I am urging all (police chiefs) to wipe out these illegal gambling centres.

“This order must be adhered to, and I hope the public will also support and help the Royal Malaysian Police in their efforts. Don’t leave me and the police alone in combating this crime,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid also warned that any individuals trying to protect illegal gambling centres from the police will face the wrath of the law enforcers.

“Any individuals, even police officers, found to be trying to protect these gambling dens will not escape action,” he said.

“For the past four months, we have flushed out illegal gambling dens under the ‘Op Cantas Khas’ operation, but it (illegal gambling) has reared its ugly head again.”

He also announced that he will be pushing for RM500,000 to be allocated to the Desa Tasik police residence for repair and upgrading.

“I’ve only been appointed as the deputy prime minister today, so I can’t say for sure, but I will try my best to get the RM500,000 allocation for you.”

Ahmad Zahid also presented duit raya to some 30 orphans present at the event.

Also present was Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Tajudin Md Isa.