PETALING JAYA: A total of 868 raids against various illegal gambling activities in the capital from Jan 1 to June 23 resulted in the arrest of 1,156 people.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus said the operations were conducted under Ops Soga IV – 2026 FIFA World Cup Football Betting (Catit Taruh), as well as several integrated enforcement operations aimed at curbing gambling activities expected to increase during the tournament.
In total, police seized RM45,033 in cash and detected betting transactions amounting to RM96,878.58 and HK$32,799.75 (about RM17,300).
"Kuala Lumpur police launched the operation to curb various gambling activities expected to increase in conjunction with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
"The operation was conducted from Jan 1 to June 23, throughout Kuala Lumpur," he said in a statement on Wednesday (June 24).
Comm Fadil said that under Ops Soga IV alone, police carried out 22 raids and arrested 24 individuals suspected of involvement in illegal betting and online gambling activities.
Police also seized RM25,020 in cash, as well as various items including laptops, mobile phones, as tablet, modems and SIM cards believed to have been used in the activities.
In a related development, Comm Fadil said police conducted 322 raids against online gambling operations, resulting in the arrest of 341 suspects.
"In addition, 486 raids were carried out against illegal number forecast betting activities, leading to 487 arrests and the seizure of RM4,886 in cash.
"As for gambling operations conducted inside buildings, 16 raids resulted in 146 arrests, while a raid on an outdoor gambling activity led to six arrests," he said.
He added that police also focused on premises operating as call centres for gambling and scam-related activities, with 21 raids conducted.
"As a result of the operations, 152 individuals were arrested and various equipment, including 58 computers, 77 laptops, 218 mobile phones and other communication devices, were seized," he said.
Comm Fadil stressed that enforcement operations would continue on an ongoing basis to combat crime, uphold the law, and ensure public safety and order are maintained.
