KUCHING: Police have arrested 16 individuals for being allegedly involved in three types of gambling activities after a week-long operations to eradicate illegal activities was carried out in the district.
The operations dubbed ‘Ops Bersepadu’ took place from April 12 to 18 and saw a total of 14 raids being conducted around Gita, Satok, Tabuan Jaya, Jalan Pelabuhan and Jalan Power.
Kuching deputy police chief Supt Merbin Lisa said for online gambling, they have conducted 11 separate raids towards private homes, convenience stores and coffee shops.
In the raids, a total of 11 individuals (eight men and three women), aged between 20 and 53, were arrested under Section 4(1)(c) of the Common Gaming House Act 1953, which provides for a fine up to RM50,000 or a jail term up to three years, if convicted.
“Meanwhile for illegal lottery sales, the team arrested two men in their late 30s, in separate raids towards two phone stores.
“Both of them will be investigated under Section 4A(a) of the same Act, which provides for a fine up to RM200,000 or a jail term up to five years, if convicted,” he told.
Merbin added that for gambling in public places, the team arrested three men aged between 60 and 67, for playing ‘holo’ and they will be investigated under Section 7(2) of the same Act, which provides for a maximum fine of RM2,000, or a six-months imprisonment, or both if convicted.
He pointed out that stern warnings have been given to premises owners not to carry out such activities or rent the premises for gambling purposes.
Those who fail to adhere to the warning will have action taken against them not only as provided in the Common Gaming House Act 1953 but also under the Prevention of Crime Act 1959.
The community are urged to continue channelling information relating to such illegal activities so that action can be taken.
