JB cops arrest 22 for illegal gambling at entertainment centre, over RM60,000 in cash confiscated

JOHOR BARU: Police have arrested 22 people for illegal gambling and confiscated cash worth RM60,000 at an entertainment centre in the city centre during a raid, here.

Johor police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said that the raid was conducted on Saturday (Oct 29) at 11.10pm by the Anti-Vice Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7).

"The suspects were busy gambling during the raid, and we have arrested 13 local men, five local women and four foreign women, all aged between 30 and 68.

"Investigations revealed that the entertainment centre has been turned into a gambling den that targets local customers," he said in a statement here on Sunday (Oct 30).

Comm Kamarul Zaman added that police had also confiscated some items, including three business receipts, 48 playing cards, three dice, and cash amounting to RM62,530.

The case is being investigated under Section 6(1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 for gambling, which carries a fine of up to RM5,000, a jail term of up to 6 months, or both upon conviction.

It is also being investigated under Section 6(2) of the Johor Entertainment Places Enactment for operating without a licence, which carries a fine of not more than RM10,000 or being jailed for one year or both, as well as Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for entering the country and staying without valid travel documents, which carries a maximum fine of RM10,000 or imprisonment of not more than five years or both.

Comm Kamarul Zaman also shared that as of Oct 29 this year, the Johor police had conducted raids on 1,926 premises and arrested 2,515 people under Ops Dadu.

"All of those arrested are aged between 19 and 68.

"We have also confiscated 1,005 mobile phones, 13 tablets, 44 gambling machines, four laptops and cash worth RM679,931," he said, adding that the raids have been successful due to public tip-off.

Those with information on any illegal activities can come forward to any police station or call the state police operation centre at 07-221299 or 07-2254677.