Police Continues War against Illegal Gambling in Johor

Some gambling joints disguise themselves as family entertainment outlets, the police found.

The Malaysian police cannot be fooled. Authorities said they are keeping an eye on 57 suspicious family entertainment outlets in Johor, as police officers believe people actually go there to gamble.

According to Datuk Hasnan Hassan, chief of the local Crime Investigation Department, there are also about 60 licensed outlets which failed to renew their permits, as Malaysian gambling laws require, but are still operating.

“What is happening now is that some premise owners converting computer games and other electro-mechanical games into gambling machines. Patrons who win prizes and gifts can exchange then for money and this is considered as gambling,” he told reporters.

Gaming machines converted to casino units

Local gambling news added that owners of these facilities have hired people to tip them off and are using special programs that switch from gambling software to regular games, in case police officers raid the place.

“They are trying all sorts of tactics but we are determined to get them,” Hassan added.

Since last June, local authorities have carried out 929 raids. Almost 2,000 people were arrested for breaking the law by providing or engaging in illegal gambling. Police confiscated 2, 824 gaming machines.