By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 9: Authorities have been called upon to take immediate and decisive action against the growing presence of illegal online gambling operations masquerading as coffee shops and convenience stores, which are causing significant harm to society.
These underground gambling hubs, which are also found in Petra Jaya, offer slot machine games and host illegal online gambling, have raised serious concerns for local communities and families.
In a statement, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak’s Women Leadership Council secretary and Petra Jaya Branch’s Women chief Nur Jafni Abdullah highlighted the alarming impact these illicit activities are having on the region.
“Illegal gambling not only threatens the stability of families but also undermines the integrity of legitimate businesses. These operations are hidden behind everyday establishments, making it difficult for authorities to detect them, but the consequences they bring are far-reaching,” she said.
She observed that many individuals, particularly husbands, are spending money meant for daily necessities on online gambling platforms, leaving families struggling to make ends meet.
“These gambling activities have disrupted family dynamics, with absenteeism from work and neglect of responsibilities further contributing to financial instability and social unrest,” she added.
Nur Jafni emphasised that online gambling has become a particularly insidious issue, as individuals find themselves caught in a cycle of addiction, risking not just their savings, but also their futures.
The allure of potential winnings, she noted, often leads to people borrowing money from illegal lenders or using unregulated financial channels, exacerbating their financial woes.
The economic ramifications of these illegal gambling shops are also considerable as she highlighted that legitimate businesses are at a disadvantage, competing with these unlicensed establishments, which operate without adhering to tax regulations and legal requirements.
“This creates an unfair playing field for law-abiding business owners who strive to meet legal standards. The revenue that should be directed toward societal development is instead being funneled into unlawful activities, harming the economy,” she said.
Furthermore, the widespread availability of illegal gambling fosters other criminal activities such as drug trafficking, prostitution, and human trafficking, compounding the negative effects on the community.
While closing down these gambling shops will not fully eradicate crime, she pointed out that it will significantly curb its growth, providing a safer and healthier environment for the people of Sarawak.
Nur Jafni has issued a call to action for authorities to step up enforcement efforts and eliminate these illegal gambling operations once and for all.
“We need urgent, progressive action to protect our families and communities from the detrimental effects of illegal gambling. It’s time for authorities to show zero tolerance towards these establishments that are wreaking havoc on our society.
“The fight against illegal gambling is not just about enforcing laws but also about safeguarding the values and well-being of the community. Let us come together as a society to protect the future of our families, businesses, and communities from the grip of these illegal activities,” she called out. — DayakDaily
