SIBU: Any games of chance that can lure people into picking up gambling habits should be curtailed, says Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, stressed that prompt action needs to be taken to prevent especially the youths from getting ‘hooked’ on the bad habit.
He said this yesterday when asked on concerns by members of public on certain centres hosting the ‘Fishing Game’ which was said to be a form of gambling reported in the media recently.
“Yes…it is not just the public who are concerned but the government and political leaders from both BN and the opposition are concerned with the ‘sprouting’ of cyber gambling centres offering various types of wager… whether it’s “Fishing games”, “Monkey games” or even “one arm bandit”.
“Any game of chance or any form of gambling which could entice youths or public picking up gambling habits should be curtailed.
“We have seen many of these centres mushrooming and we do admit the authorities are doing many raids to check on this.
“We hope the police and councils can beef up their efforts to eradicate these gambling premises instead of sweeping it under the carpet and/or telling off Wakil Rakyat who raised this matter up as if they have “lost touch with the ground”,” Abdul Karim told the sundaypost.
Meanwhile, it was reported recently that Batu Kawah assemblywoman Christina Chiew had claimed that Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) was to blame for the number of centres hosting the ‘Fishing Game’, which was said to be a form of gambling in the area.
MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang pointed out that any illegal gambling would be an offence under the Penal Code, adding if that should happen, it would be a matter handled by the police and MPP could only issue a compound to the premises for not having any entertainment licence.
It was also reported in The Borneo Post on Oct 27 that up to 200 premises in Miri, especially in Lutong, Permyjaya, Pujut and Senadin, were believed to be illegally running cyber gambling.
Penghulu Samion Gani who made the disclosure, had claimed the patrons were not only youths but also primary and secondary school children.
On this, Piasau assemblyman Alan Ling wanted agencies under the Home Affairs Ministry to come down hard on operators.
Similarly, Miri Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Association (PBMS) president Abdul Hadi Arbie had claimed to have seen some outlets operating 24 hours.
Abdul Hadi also noted that the latest game was the ‘Pancing Ikan’ (fishing).
Meanwhile ACP Junaidi Bujang who has just assumed the post of Miri police chief, said police did not have the authority to close down any premises.
He however said they could conduct raids based on tip-off or if the police suspected there were some illegal activities going on in those outlets.
Junaidi pointed out that they could act, but only if they have the information.
As for closure or licensing matters, they fell under the jurisdiction of local authorities, he explained.
He encouraged the public to report to police if they suspected any crime or illegal activity going on in their neighbourhood.