Malaysian Authorities Preparing to Battle Illegal Gambling

Police will save Malaysian low-income earners from the clutches of illegal gambling operators.

A special police squad is preparing to put an end to all illegal conventional and internet gambling in Malaysia. According to Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, it will be operating from Bukit Aman, the headquarters of the Royal Police.

Officials say illegal gambling operators are targeting mostly low-income earners, but efforts to fight the menace will be intensified both at district and state level. At a press conference held earlier today, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated: “I know this is a difficult task, but not an impossible one as we do not want low-income earners to continue to fall prey to illegal gambling operators.”

Malaysian gambling laws forbid all forms of online gambling and there is only one legal casino where players can enjoy table and card games.

War against firearms and drugs

Apart from illegal gambling venues, the police will also target secret societies, criminals using firearms and drug dealers. “Drug trafficking by syndicates and peddlers are still rampant. Although the achievement made by the Narcotics CID was excellent, it is not impossible to weed out drug abuse,” Ahmad Zahid added.

To achieve these goals, the number of members in the Police Volunteer Reserve and auxiliary police strength will increase to 25,000.