BINTULU: State police seized 34 computers and nabbed eight persons during a raid on three illegal online gambling premises on Friday.
Acting on information gathered, a team comprising 14 personnel from the state Anti-Vice, Gaming and Gangsterism unit (D7) raided two outlets in Medan Jaya and another in Taman Li Hua, which were masquerading as cyber cafes but believed to be offering online gambling services.
State D7 officer in charge DSP Ahmad Asri Jamaluddin said police seized 34 computers and slightly over RM1,000 from the three premises.
“Five workers were detained in the raid along with three customers who were busy gambling when police showed up. All will be investigated under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953,” he said.
Ahmad Asri disclosed the modus operandi of the premises were similar to such outlets in other parts of the state, whereby the front of the shop was securely locked and equipped with close-circuit television (CCTV) to screen anyone attempting to enter.
“Only regular customers are allowed to enter, and players are often provided with free food and drinks to keep them happy and to keep them playing longer,” he added.
During the past few months, state D7 personnel have been actively clamping down on online gambling premises mushrooming in several districts across the state following complaints from the public.