KUCHING: Four Indonesians were among 17 individuals arrested for involvement in online gambling activities during a nine-day police operations codenamed Ops Bersepadu Dadu.
The operations took place from May 3 to 11, and aimed at crippling illegal online gambling activities in the district.
Acting Kuching police chief Supt Merbin Lisa disclosed that 14 raids were conducted on premises such as coffee shops, private homes and commercial buildings, around Gita, Bintawa and Tabuan Jaya.
“Seventeen individuals — 13 locals and four Indonesians, aged between 17 and 41 — were arrested on suspicion of carrying out illegal online gambling activities.
“They will be detained under Section 4(1)(c) of the Common Gaming House Act 1953 which provides for a fine of up to RM50,000 and a jail term of up to three years or both.”
He added that another raid was carried out in front of an empty house in Kampung Tupong Ulu.
Two men aged 36 and 43 were found playing holo in the open.
Both were arrested under Section 7(2) of the same Act, which carries a maximum fine of RM2,000 or a jail term of six months or both, if convicted.
“The public and premises owners are strongly advised not to carry out such activities.
“We will not hesitate to take immediate action as provided in the Common Gaming House Act 1953 but also under the Prevention of Crime Act 1959.”
