Online gambling is spreading at an alarming pace across Sarawak and increasingly harming vulnerable communities, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) warned this week. The issue is becoming a growing threat to social stability, according to the party, which raised its concerns as reported by The Borneo Post.
Jeffery Ngui, Muda Sarawak Chairman, said the proliferation of online gambling has begun to erode household finances and expose more residents to addiction, debt and crime. Seniors, youths and low-income households are among the groups reportedly most affected.
Ngui said that many premises that appear to be ordinary businesses are now believed to be operating openly or discreetly as online gambling points. These include coffee shops, grocery stores and other small outlets across both urban and rural areas.
The party voiced support for Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah, who has intensified raids targeting illegal gambling operations. Some of these enforcement actions have been led personally by the commissioner, Ngui noted.
He also welcomed the directive issued by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, instructing enforcement agencies to take firm action within one week. Ngui expressed hope that this nationwide directive would result in faster and more consistent enforcement in Sarawak.
Public reaction on social media, Ngui added, shows rising anxiety and a need for immediate action without bias. However, he cautioned that many residents with knowledge of gambling operations remain hesitant to come forward due to fear of retaliation.
Ngui called on the Royal Malaysia Police to establish clear and credible protection mechanisms for whistleblowers, including guarantees of confidentiality and personal safety. Without such measures, he said, efforts to combat online gambling will continue to face major obstacles at the grassroots level.
Muda Sarawak says many gambling hubs operate out of ordinary premises such as coffee shops and small shops
