GEORGE TOWN: Penang police have arrested 12 men and seized RM8,692 in cash under Op Soga XI, a nationwide operation against illegal betting activities in conjunction with the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Penang police chief Comm Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng said 12 raids were carried out across the state from June 11 to June 19.
The raids led to the arrest of suspects believed to be involved in illegal sports betting and online gambling.
Police also detected 12 websites, applications and social media platforms used to promote football betting activities.
Efforts are underway with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to block the sites.
“The suspects have been released on police bail while investigations continue under the Betting Act 1953 and the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953,” he said at a press conference on Monday (June 23).
Comm Lim said police are also investigating the cases under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
He urged the public to provide information on illegal gambling activities and assured that police would continue to intensify enforcement efforts.
In a separate case, six men aged between 26 and 38 were arrested over a parang attack at a Chinese temple in Jelutong that left two men seriously injured.
Comm Lim said the attack, which occurred at about 4.30am on June 21, stemmed from a misunderstanding at an entertainment outlet.
At the outlet, the 31-year-old victim, an Indian Muslim man, was wrongly accused of stealing a mobile phone.
The victim was followed to the temple and attacked by about seven men armed with sharp weapons.
A 64-year-old Chinese temple caretaker who tried to intervene was also assaulted.
“The first victim lost his index finger while the caretaker lost his little finger. Both suffered slash wounds but are in stable condition,” he said.
Comm Lim said four of the six suspects had admitted their involvement, while police were tracking three more suspects.
“We have obtained some information on their identities and hope to arrest them soon. We are also looking into possible gang links and will take firm action if there is any involvement in gangsterism,” he added.
Police seized a parang, clothing believed to have been worn during the attack, a car, two motorcycles, six mobile phones, keys, a helmet and a remote control.
Checks showed some of the suspects had previous criminal and drug-related records, although all tested negative for drugs.
The six suspects have been remanded until June 28, and police are also tracking two more men believed to be involved.
The case is being investigated under Sections 326 and 120B of the Penal Code.
Police urged anyone with information on the incident to contact the investigating officer Inspector Mohamed Azwan Mahmud Safbri at 010-7845429 or the nearest police station.
