KUALA LUMPUR: Police have busted 13 illegal gambling premises masquerading as licensed family entertainment centres in coordinated raids across Selangor and Sabah.
The special operation codenamed Ops Dadu Khas on Wednesday (April 1) and Thursday, targeted eight premises in Seri Kembangan and Klang, and five others in Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Sandakan.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the premises attempted to mislead authorities by displaying licences for family entertainment centres and interactive entertainment centres, which are meant for children’s recreational activities.
“Instead of offering bowling or children’s games, these premises were equipped with computer systems used for gambling activities,” he said in a statement on Friday.
A total of 63 individuals, aged between 20 and 75, were detained during the raids, including 52 in Selangor and 11 in Sabah.
Police also seized tablets, computer equipment, gambling machines and cash.
Investigations are being carried out under Section 4B(a), Section 4(1)(c) and Section 6(1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, as well as Section 6(1)(c) and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Comm Kumar said enforcement operations would continue, adding that all state CID chiefs have been instructed to monitor and ensure gambling activities are eradicated.
He said authorities believe syndicates are attempting to resume operations using larger-scale setups, including simulator-style machines and laptop-based systems with screens comparable to 36-inch televisions.
“We want to remind the public that gambling will inevitably lead to losses, with players risking thousands or even millions of ringgit,” he said.
