Police in Malaysia's Perak state have cut electricity supplies to 33 premises identified as being involved in illegal gambling. The action forms part of continued enforcement against unlicensed operations.
The operation was carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Perak Police Contingent in cooperation with national electricity provider Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).
The targeted locations were linked to illegal public lottery and online gambling activities. Electricity supplies were disconnected under Section 21A of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, which provides authorities with measures to disrupt premises used for unlawful gambling.
Perak Police Chief Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal gambling and prevent business owners and operators from allowing their premises to be used for such activities.
Police also warned members of the public against participating in or facilitating unlawful gambling, adding that enforcement operations would continue throughout Perak.
The action comes as Malaysian authorities maintain a broader focus on both physical and online illegal gambling.
In August, the Finance Ministry said no new gambling licences or permits had been issued under the current federal administration, rejecting claims that licensed gambling activities had been expanded. The Government has also maintained the number of special lottery draws at eight annually since January 2023.
Authorities have increasingly targeted the online promotion of illegal gambling as well. Since 1 June, sponsored advertisers on licensed social media platforms have been subject to identity verification requirements under measures introduced through the Online Safety Act 2025.
The requirements are intended to help identify advertisers behind sponsored content involving activities such as online gambling, financial scams and illegal investments.
Malaysia has also continued removing gambling-related online content, alongside police operations targeting physical locations suspected of facilitating illegal betting.
More than 65,000 pieces of scam and illegal online gambling content remained accessible in Malaysia despite MCMC takedown requests
