2138) ARKIB BERITA PPIM – 26/9/2014 THE STAR – No more bets, Swoop on illegal gambling dens
19 Oct 2014
Game over: Adnan (in orange shirt) and Nadzim (on Adnan’s right) inspecting some of the computers that were used for cyber gambling at one of the premises visited by the group
GAMBLING has reached a critical stage in the capital city with an estimated 300 cybercafes operating illegally.
The situation has prompted the authorities to launch Operasi Banteras Aktiviti Haram (Ops BAH) — a multi-agency effort to put a stop to the illegal activity permanently.
A total of 352 personnel from 13 agencies raided 34 premises in three locations in Kuala Lumpur — Tasik Damai Business Centre, Desa Tun Razak and Bandar Tasik Permaisuri in the fourth enforcement activity under Ops BAH.
“Gambling is harmful to society as people squander their wages on this destructive habit. This causes a lot of problems, especially to their families,” Federal Territories Ministry secretary-general Datuk Adnan Md Ikhsan said of the crackdown.
Ops BAH, he said, was aimed at cleaning up the city by closing down as many of these premises as possible.
“We want to send a message to the operators that we are serious about curbing the problem through this concerted effort,” he said during the raid.
Adnan added that some of the premises can accommodate up to 250 people, adding up to thousands of gamblers.
The agencies involved in the operations were the FT Ministry, police, National Safety Council, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Immigration Department, National Anti Drug Agency, Federal Territories Islamic Department, Malaysia National Defence Department, National Water Services Commission, Selangor Water Supply Company, Energy Commission, Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Telekom Malaysia.
Adnan acknowledged that many of the operators were repeat offenders.
At press time, among the items seized in the raid were computer peripherals, including 680 CPU units, 738 monitors and 596 keyboards. Computers, WiFi routers, gambling machines and even one simulator were also seized.
Thirty-four outlets had its electricity and water supply disconnected.
“Some premises that were raided had continued operations after that.
“Despite cutting their electricity and water supply, the operators find all kinds of ways to get them illegally,” he added.
Ops BAH deputy chief and ministry deputy secretary-general (management and socio-economic) Datuk Nor’Aini Abd Wahab said each agency would follow its own standard operating procedure during the operation.
“Previously we had done sweeping operations, covering several constituencies. However, starting from this fourth operation, we will conduct detailed checks in specific areas identified as hotspots for illegal activities such as cyber gambling outlets and unlicensed massage parlours,” she said.
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