KUCHING: Authorities are coming down hard on 238 premises used for illegal gambling activities from Aug 6 onwards.
These errant premises will have their power supply cut by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), working together with the police.
The stern action is done as per Section 21A(1) of the Common Gaming House Act 1953.
“From Jan to June this year, we conducted 304 raids and arrested 272 individuals comprising locals and foreigners. The total seizure from the raids is RM105,091,” said Kuching OCPD ACP Ahsmon Bajah.
“The cases will be investigated under Section 4(1)(c), Section 4a(A) and Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming House Act 1953 and Section 6(3) of the Betting Act 1953.
“Of the figure, 238 were carrying out gambling activities inside the premises whereas, the remaining 66 carried out their gambling activities outside the premises,” he told the media after witnessing the power supply cut to a convenience store and a coffee shop at Poh Kwong Park here today.
He added that the owners of the premises could apply for a power supply reconnection after a certain time and police would review this with SEB.
“These gambling operators are always changing their modus operandi to hide from the authorities.”
ACP Ahsmon noted that some were using restaurants, phone shops, mini markets as well as budget hotels for such activities.
When asked whether the police would cut the power supply to luxury hotels if they were found to be involved in gambling activities, he stated that police could do so after reviewing their involvement and under Section 21A(1), the authorities can cut the power to the whole building.
“For now, there are no luxury or five-star hotels involved in such activities. Those involved are small business premises, private hotels and budget hotels.”
