MUKAH: Four local men were caught after police busted an illegal cockfighting and gambling operation hidden inside an oil palm plantation along Jalan Bayan Ulu on Saturday (June 27).
The raid was carried out by the district Criminal Investigation Division (CID) around 2 pm, following intelligence gathering and public information.
Mukah police chief DSP Muhamad Rizal Alias said officers found a group of individuals engaged in cockfighting when they moved in.
“Upon noticing the presence of the police, those involved fled into a nearby forest.
“The raiding team gave chase and successfully arrested four men, aged between 30 and 48. They were later taken to the district police headquarters for further investigation,” he said.
Also seized were three live roosters, one dead rooster, two metal spurs, a weighing scale, various gambling paraphernalia, and RM55 in cash.
Urine tests conducted on the suspects came back negative for drugs, while background checks found that one of the men had a prior criminal record.
The case is being investigated under Section 73(1)(g) of the Public Health Veterinary Ordinance 1999, which provides for a fine of up to RM2,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both upon conviction.
Rizal advised the public to stay away from all forms of illegal gambling.
Aside from facing arrest and prosecution, offenders are reminded that gambling can also lead to financial difficulties and other social problems.
