Selangor police successfully raid 3,132 illegal gaming premises from Jan to Aug, 2017

SHAH ALAM: Selangor police have carried out 3,132 successful raids against illegal online gaming premises in the state between Jan and August this year. The operations saw police seizing thousands of gaming machines, and RM288,380 in cash from these syndicates. Selangor Criminal Investigation Department chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Fadzil Ahmat said from that number, police have completed investigation on 2,313 cases and charged the operators responsible in court.

“Selangor CID has always been committed in our mission to eradicate illegal gaming syndicates. Thus, the recent announcement by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police on an all-out battle against the activities is a calling which we will undertake with full commitment. We will see an end to gaming dens. “Following the order, the Selangor police force from all stations and district headquarters, have been mobilised to carry out operations against illegal gaming dens.

“Besides conducting raids, Selangor CID will also continue to monitor family entertainment centres which are licensed under the Selangor Entertainment Enactment 1995, and we will take strict action if they are ever found to be operating illegal gambling,” he said in a statement, adding that there were 137 family entertainment centre licenses that have been approved in Selangor. Fadzil said they also welcome tip-off from the public should they find any premises, including licensed entertainment centres, which offered illegal gaming.

Meanwhile Johor police raided 49 premises suspected of being involved in illegal lottery and detained 49 people during its ‘Op Dadu Khas’ statewide yesterday. State police chief Datuk Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd said the 49 people arrested were aged 18 to 67, who admitted being involved in the

illegal activity.

“An operation led by Johor Criminal Investigation Department chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Azman Ayob on Sept 30 was conducted in an effort to rid the state of illegal gambling. “The operation was focused on individuals and any syndicate that conducted gambling without licence. “This operation will continue until the police is able to put a total stop to such illegal activities,” said Khalil in a statement today.

He said a total of 161 lottery tickets and money used for the bets amounting to RM3,224 were seized during the operation. “The offenders can be charged under Section 4A (a) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and they can be fined not less than RM20,000 and not more than RM200,000, and jailed a maximum five years,” he said.

Khalil said between January and August this year, the state police carried out 1,528 operations and arrested 1,585 people, and seized more than RM240,000 in operations against illegal lottery premises. “A total of 1,163 people have been charged in court so far. We will continue to stop the menace of illegal gambling in the state,” he said.