KUCHING: The clamping down of Telelink outlets in the state since last year saw Bau town escaping the clutches of the authorities as an outlet was spotted thriving with punters for the weekend draw.
After the massive crackdown of illegal outlets in several parts of the city and a pending legal battle in court, it is business as usual for Telelink or “Da Ma Cai” operators in the town, famous for its blue lake.
Deemed illegal since 2004 when the state government sealed the lid on the establishment of gaming outlets in Sarawak, Telelink which is a peninsula-based lottery has once again reared its ugly head amidst the unsettling dust.
A quick drive around Bau town recently saw punters placing their bets even though they were aware that the outlet is illegal.
With a prominent signboard facing the main road that runs through the centre of Bau t own, the harsh warnings from the government to these illegal operators seem to fall on deaf ears.
“If there is a chance for me to strike big and be rich overnight, I would certainly try out my luck,” said an anonymous punter when met after placing his bet.
He also admitted that he is aware that the outlet is run illegally and is clearly not worried of the circumstances of placing his bets there.
“If the authorities close down this place, the outlet is the one that gets the punishment, not us punters,” he jested.
Since 2009, local authorities were given rights to take action against any Telelink operators under Section 160, 161A and 161B, of the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996.
Outlets that re-open after being served closing notices can be prosecuted under Section 154 of the same ordinance.