KUCHING: Many believe that what happens during the Chinese New Year (CNY) will reflect the rest of the year to come and people will often gamble, hoping for luck and prosperity.
According to online publication Ignite Media, superstitions state that the act of gambling itself, regardless of wins or losses, brings good luck into the new year and it stems from the belief that handling money will bring good economic luck.
However, in the eyes of Malaysian law, acts of gambling among friends and family, is illegal and those involved in the crime can be prosecuted under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
From Jan 15 to 29 this year, the Sarawak Criminal Investigation Department (CID) launched a statewide ‘Op Limau’ to curb indoor and outdoor gambling activities subject to the first and second schedule of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 in conjunction with CNY.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said a total of 91 individuals, including a woman, were arrested in 18 raids across the state.
The suspects aged between 17 and 63, comprised 87 locals and four foreigners. All of them were remanded to facilitate investigations.
“Also seized were cash amounting to RM14,670, six sets of playing cards, 324 chips, 112 ‘Tau Gee’ pieces, a table, three chairs, 12 dices, six holo cloths, three spur knives, two weighing scales, 14 live cockerels and eight dead ones.
“Among the common types of gambling activity carried out in Sarawak are cockfighting, poker and holo,” he said.
Police have opened 18 investigation papers under Section 6(1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 for indoor gambling and Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 for outdoor gambling.
Both sections provide for a fine of up to RM5,000 or up to six months’ jail or both, upon conviction.
Mohd Azman said from the figure, two cases were prosecuted while the rest are still under investigation.
The top cop also stressed that the police will take stern action against individuals who organise and conduct betting.
Should the public have any information on gambling activities, they can channel them via the Op Limau WhatsApp hotline at 013-5253052.
