Malaysia police arrest 282 in raids on 201 gambling premises

Malaysian police detained 282 people and took RM32,149 in cash in a nationwide operation aimed at online gambling and unlicensed lotteries. Datuk M. Kumar, director of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department, said Ops Dadu Khas ran from 31 October to 1 November across the country, including Sabah and Sarawak. The raids reached 201 business premises, and investigators are working to identify the syndicate leaders behind the activities.

Kumar said syndicates used ordinary commercial premises such as cafes, beverage outlets and general stores to conceal online betting sites. He said a syndicate could run an operation from one site, close it and soon move elsewhere. Kumar said enforcement recommendations would go to the relevant local authorities once enough evidence had been gathered.

Police will recommend disconnecting electricity supplies at all 201 premises once the investigations end. Kumar said Section 21A of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 would be the basis for that recommendation. Kumar stressed that the police would keep stepping up action against every form of unlicensed gambling, together with local authorities and other relevant agencies.