JOHOR BARU: Police have crippled two cockfighting syndicates in Johor, arresting 43 individuals and seizing 34 roosters in separate raids over the weekend.
State police chief Comm Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the suspects, comprising 28 locals and 15 foreigners aged between 21 and 71 years old, were detained during operations in Kampung Melayu Pandan here and Felda Bukit Aping Barat in Kota Tinggi.
“Among those arrested were a local organiser, a foreign organiser and an assistant organiser. The raids were carried out between 12.35am and 4pm on Sunday (Sept 7) by teams from the Johor police anti-vice, gambling and secret societies division (D7), serious crimes division (D9), and district criminal investigation departments from Seri Alam and Kota Tinggi,” he said here on Monday (Sept 8).
Comm Ab Rahaman added that police seized 22 live roosters, 12 dead roosters, steel cages, cockfighting equipment, blades, weighing scales and RM22,489 in cash.
He said investigations revealed that the syndicates operated in remote areas to avoid detection, with only known and invited participants allowed entry.
“A circular ring would be set up as the fighting arena, and each cockfight lasted about 20 minutes. Between five and 10 betting sessions would be held, with stakes ranging from RM550 to RM2,000.
“The organisers took a 10% commission from the total bets placed,” he said adding that the case is being investigated under Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
Comm Ab Rahaman said the case was also being investigated under Sections 32(1)(a) and 32(2)(a) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
He added that police view illegal gambling activities, especially those involving cruelty to animals, very seriously.
“Firm action will continue to be taken against organisers, participants and supporters alike,” he said.
Comm Ab Rahaman also urged the public to continue providing information on such activities by contacting Johor police hotline at 019-279 2095 or its operations room at 07-221 2999.
