SIEM REAP: The Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Sri Fatimah Abdullah and two delegates from Sarawak are in Poipet to visit the 47 detainees in Banteay Meanchey Provisional Prison, Cambodia.
With Fatimah are Santubong MP Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Sarawak Foreign Affairs director Deddy Faisal Ahmad.
They were escorted by Malaysian Embassy officials in Cambodia and police outriders.
When asked on the current situation of the detainees, Fatimah said the case is still under Cambodian police investigation.
“We are working closely with the Cambodian government on the issue. And as mentioned by our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, we must act according to the law,” she said.
She said the state government is ready to assist the detainees, including their families.
“We are hoping to hear some good news. Hopefully, they are found not guilty.”
The 47 Malaysians (37 males and 10 females) of whom 40 are Sarawakians , have been detained since Dec 11 last year on suspicion of running an illegal gambling operation.
Poipet is a city in Banteay Meanchey Province in Cambodia near to the border of Cambodia-Thailand.
It is known for its many casinos, where some are legally operated.
