LAWAS: In a pre-dawn operation, Lawas District Police successfully carried out raids on several premises suspected of hosting online gambling activities, resulting in the arrest of three individuals.
According to Lawas District Police Chief, DSP Liong Tindan, the raids were conducted between 12.10 am and 2.00 am earlier today. Police apprehended two women and one man in separate locations after uncovering evidence linked to online gambling.
The first individual arrested was a 35-year-old local woman who works as a shopkeeper. Police seized her mobile phone along with cash found on the premises. The second suspect, a 23-year-old local man employed as a labourer, was arrested while having dinner. Officers discovered an online gambling application on his mobile phone, which was confiscated along with cash.
The third person taken into custody was a 24-year-old local woman, also a shopkeeper, who was arrested at the premises in question. Her mobile phone and cash were similarly seized by authorities.
A check on all three suspects revealed they had no prior criminal records. DSP Liong Tindan confirmed that investigations are ongoing under Section 4B(a) of the Open Gambling Houses Act 1953. Police will be applying for a remand order to facilitate further investigations.
DSP Liong urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any illegal gambling activities, stressing that the authorities are committed to cracking down on such operations to maintain law and order in the district.
This operation highlights the continued efforts by Lawas District Police to curb online gambling, which has increasingly become a concern in urban and rural areas alike. Authorities emphasize that online gambling is illegal and can carry severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines, under Malaysian law.
As investigations proceed, the community is reminded to comply with the law and cooperate with authorities to prevent similar activities from spreading.
