MIRI: Police in northern Sarawak have stepped up enforcement against illegal online gambling, carrying out a series of pre-dawn raids over the past three weeks to disrupt sales networks linked to online betting platforms.
In the latest operations at about 2.20 am on Monday, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department of IPD Miri raided a mini-mart along Jalan Merbau, and arresting a 35-year-old local woman believed to be involved in facilitating online gambling transactions.
Several items were seized during the operations and the suspect has been remanded to assist investigations under Section 4B(a) of the Open House Gambling Act 1953, which covers the promotion and facilitation of gambling activities.
District police chief, ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah, said the operations formed part of a broader directive from Polis Diraja Malaysia to curb the spread of online gambling, which has increasingly infiltrated neighbourhood businesses and digital payment channels.
“Police will not compromise with any form of illegal gambling,” he said in a statement.
“Enforcement efforts will continue to be strengthened through improved strategy and sustained action to dismantle these operations at every level.”
The recent raids, conducted while most residents were asleep, reflect a tactical shift aimed at catching operators off guard and limiting the movement of suspects, police said.
Members of the public have been urged to assist investigations by providing information on suspected gambling activities.
Tips and complaints can be channelled directly to IPD Miri via its operations hotline at 085-433730.
Police warned that premises found to be used as fronts for online gambling sales would face firm action, as authorities seek to cut off access points and reduce the social harm linked to illegal betting.
