Over 7,500 nabbed for illegal gambling between Jan-Aug this year, says Dep Home Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested a total of 7,755 individuals related to unlicenced gambling activities between Jan 1 and Aug 31, this year, said Datuk Jonathan Yassin.

The Deputy Home Minister II told the Dewan Rakyat that the police are taking the issue of unlicenced public gambling seriously and would take note of the concerns raised by all parties to ensure that concerted efforts can be taken to address the issue more effectively.

"Since Jan 1 until Aug 31, 2021, a total of 7,374 raids have been conducted by the police with a total of 7,755 arrests made," he said in reply to a supplementary question from Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah) during Question Time.

Cha had asked the ministry to reveal the numbers of raids and those brought to court due to unlicensed public lottery activities.

On the numbers of those brought to court, Jonathan said he would give a written reply on the matter as it requires specific data.

Asked to explain the reason for the government to allow betting companies to hold 22 “special draws” this year, Jonathan said that question should be directed to the Finance Ministry.

Pressed further by Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PAS-PN) whether increasing the numbers of the special draws would curb illegal gambling, Jonathan reiterated that it should be answered by the Finance Ministry.

"Based on my personal view, whether it can increase or reduce the number of cases related to illegal gambling, it needs further study so we can truly identify the reasons behind it," he said.

The deputy minister pointed out that licenced gambling activities under the purview of the Finance Ministry were not allowed to operate during the movement control order period since March last year.

"However, the syndicates that conducted unlicensed gambling still operate their activities involving the drawing of public lotteries organised by outsiders including people from Singapore, Cambodia and China," he explained.

The ministry, he said, had taken ongoing measures including taking action against organisers, players and premises owners, and syndicates involved in such activities under existing laws, said Jonathan.

He added that sterner action can be taken under related laws such as under the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca).