Malaysian police are continuing their crackdown on illegal gambling, arresting 14,759 individuals and seizing RM3.8 million ($917,000) in cash and 10,361 pieces of equipment from January to end June, local media reports.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Huzir Mohamed said 8,775 illegal gambling premises were raided between January 1 and June 22, with 92 operators arrested, according to the MalayMail.
Police also identified 160 gambling syndicates believed to be actively operating in Selangor, Kedah, Penang and Pahang.
“We found that the most sought after gambling activity is the public lottery with 120 syndicates operating this service,” he was cited as saying.
Police are also working with the local authorities and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to cut off utility services and block gambling websites. So far the MCMC has been asked to block 1,270 websites identified to be promoting gambling activities.
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