Police Smash Gambling Den in Malaysia

Broad crackdown continues with series of high-profile raids

Police recently arrested 32 officials as part of a nighttime raid against an illegal gambling establishment in the Pahang state of Malaysia. Both operators and gamblers were arrested. The police indicated that some of the arrested were foreigners not legal to work in Malaysia.

Pahang CID chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Mohd Zakaria Ahmad said the following about a series of raids carried out together: Raids and inspections were performed at nine gambling dens, five massage parlours and five entertainment centres. Some 211 computer units used for gambling were also seized in the operation.”

Malaysian gambling laws prohibit the activity except for in a few specially-designated regions out of reach to the average person. It is also illegal for all Muslims living in the country. This has led many to turn to underground gambling dens and betting shops, the use of which are treated as a serious social problem by the authorities.

National crackdown continues

The country has undergone a major comprehensive crackdown against illegal gambling operations since the start of 2014. Central government, state and local officials have cooperated to carry out a series of raids, arresting an immense number of individuals.

Last month the government created a special task force to combat gambling dens and online casinos in Malaysia.