Malaysian Minister Recommends Just Enjoying the World Cup Games And Not Betting

Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, warned both bettors and illegal bookmakers about the possibility to break the law if they bet or offer wagers during the World Cup tournament.

Keeping in mind that the answer to the question is online gambling legal in Malaysia is no, it is not surprising that the minister made such statement.

He added that the police will follow closely any potential online betting activities in partnership with departments of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, prior and during the World Cup tournament in Brazil, which starts on 12th June.

Position of the minister

Minister Hamidi commented on any potential internet betting in Malaysia during a conference in the Parliament building: “Although there is a strong football fever, please just enjoy the games and not bet your money on it.”

Moreover: “We want to inform that the police have received full cooperation with Interpol, FIFA and several other agencies to monitor an international gambling syndicate which involves the public safety.”

Ahmad Zahid added that due to the fact that online gambling is against Malaysian gambling laws , several laws will be implemented to anyone who breaks the ban, such as the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2013, Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.

He added: “We have detected activities of illegal gambling even before the actual games. A few investigations have been launched and we found that online bookies have started to look for their victims to be part of their illegal activities.”