SARATOK: A car washer’s side hustle allegedly took an illegal turn when he was caught selling lottery numbers at Saratok Market, just a week after starting the operation.
The 34-year-old from Sri Aman was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at around 2.57pm yesterday (Aug 26) during an operation, dubbed ‘Ops Dadu’, targeting illegal lottery activities.
Saratok police chief DSP Mathew Manggie said the suspect admitted to acting as an agent for illegal public lottery numbers, targeting customers around the busy market.
Also seized from him was a piece of paper containing lottery numbers, an undisclosed amount of cash and a pen.
“The suspect, who works as a car washer at the market, allegedly turned to selling illegal lottery numbers as a way to earn extra income.
“He had been carrying out the activity for about a week and was alone inside the market building when officers moved in,” he said.
A preliminary urine screening found no trace of drugs in his system.
Background checks found that the suspect has seven prior criminal records, involving theft, robbery, housebreaking and drug offences.
Mathew said the case is being investigated under Section 4A(a) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
If convicted, the suspect faces a fine of up to RM200,000 and up to five years in prison.
