KUCHING: Local authorities in the Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency here have been urged to step up monitoring of business licences to curb the misuse of premises for illegal activities such as online gambling.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said there is need for closer collaboration between enforcement agencies from the municipal councils, and the police to address the issue effectively.
“The increasing number of cases requires not only enforcement but also consistent monitoring,” said Fadillah who is Petra Jaya MP.
“Agencies like the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), which issue licences, must ensure these licences are used for their intended purposes.
“Unfortunately, we often see a lack of monitoring, leading to misuse of premises such as eateries doubling as online gambling outlets,” he said.
He said this during the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) townhall session at Dewan Malaysia Jaya, Petra Jaya here today.
However, he acknowledged that enforcement agencies often face manpower constraints, underscoring the importance of community involvement.
“We need to act as the eyes and ears of the authorities. Community leaders and the public must report suspicious activities promptly, enabling enforcement officers to investigate and act. This must be a collective effort because relying solely on the authorities is insufficient,” he said.
Fadillah also called for the establishment of community policing initiatives to assist in local monitoring efforts.
“Through neighbourhood watch programmes or similar initiatives, communities can work with the police to monitor and address local issues.
“This cohesive approach can prevent criminal activities like theft, scams, gambling, and drug abuse, ensuring a safer and more harmonious society,” he added.
Earlier, Fadillah revealed a year-on-year comparison of fraud cases investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code at the Kuching District Police Headquarters.
“Between January and October last year, 509 fraud (scam) cases were reported, with losses totaling RM27.08 million. For the same period this year, 362 cases were reported, but losses increased to RM27.4 million,” he said.
Fadillah also highlighted the persistent drug problem in Sarawak, which he said must be tackled relentlessly.
“According to police reports, drugs such as methamphetamine (syabu), Ecstasy pills, cannabis, and heroin are becoming more prevalent in the state.
“In Kuching District alone, 11 cases with 16 arrests were reported under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 from January to October this year, compared to 21 cases with 44 arrests during the same period in 2023,” he said.
He also said that as for cases under Section 39A of the same Act, three cases with three arrests were reported in the first 10 months of this year, down from six cases with seven arrests during the same period last year.
“However, for Section 39A(1), 45 cases with 72 arrests were recorded in 2024, an increase from 37 cases with 58 arrests in 2023.
“In terms of drug seizures, the total value between January and October this year was RM996,292.30, a sharp decline compared to RM9.9 million during the same period last year,” said Fadillah.
