Police have set up a task force to combat the scourge of “mini casino” online gaming that is becoming widespread, Kuala Lumpur police Chief Mazlan Lazim said today. He said 25 suspects were detained under the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca), which allows for detention without trial, for such activities in the first six months of this year. Mazlan warned of firm action against the organisers and patrons of online gambling. He said it was difficult to trace such operations as they were mobile and not confined to any premises. He also said any culprits caught could also be prosecuted under Section 4B(a) and Section 6(1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
Mazlan said some online gambling operators are now providing tablets or smart phones at their premises for those new to these activities. “If the player wins, the caretaker (of the premises) will pay directly to the player. “If the caretaker does not have enough money, a bank transaction will be done by the manager or supervisor,” he said. Mazlan said the online gambling operator may also provide a link for the player to download from Google play store, using his own smart phone. “This method is usually for regular customers, and they would be in touch via the WeChat mobile application for every gambling transaction,” he said.
According to Mazlan, the police had conducted 71 raids through an operation, dubbed “Op Dadu” and made 268 arrests in the first six months this year. Also seized were 342 tablets, 70 computers, 60 laptops, 69 smart phones, 38 WiFi and modem devices, and 24 routers, all of which were valued at RM36,559, he added.
