Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that Malaysia will continue to tackle illegal gambling, as announced at a recent press event.
During a session in the Dewan Rakyat, the Parliament House of Representatives, Anwar spoke about the recent initiatives from local enforcement against illegal gambling, including raids and the seizure of equipment.
One recent raid resulted in 72 men being detained after an illegal cockfighting site was discovered in a banana plantation.
Many of the illegal gambling operators are not based in Malaysia, Anwar explained: “It is not easy because online gambling is sometimes based overseas.”
This makes tackling them difficult, as not all of the operations can be physically shut down by simply entering the premises and making arrests.
Another unique angle is introduced through rural communities, many of which are classed as more vulnerable in Malaysia.
There are increasing reports of gambling rings operating outside of cities, where the criminals believe they will be less likely to be detected.
He continued: “In addition to enforcement measures against illegal gambling activities, the government is also focusing on raising public accountability and awareness regarding activities that contravene the law.”
Tuan Fong Kui Lun, a veteran Malaysian politician currently serving as the MP for Bukit Bintang, asked whether stopping black market operators in the country could increase revenue in the country that could be used to supplement other initiatives.
Anwar acknowledged that all of the enforcement efforts so far, both locally and in conjunction with other countries, are part of ongoing initiatives to protect national revenue and maintain social order.
Earlier this year, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail hinted at the Government introducing stricter laws to curb the surge in online gambling.
Anwar currently serves as both the Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Minister of Finance
