By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 27: Illegal online gambling outlets are still operating in Sarawak under the guise of coffee shops and convenience stores, says Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen.
“Up to today, there are still a lot of illegal outlets operating under the guise of coffee shop and convenience stores, operating as illegal online gambling outlets.
“These outlets were given licences by the local councils, but in actual fact, they are operating as illegal online gambling outlets,” he said when debating the Sarawak Budget 2026 in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
Chong further said Sarawak already has mechanisms to address such issues, including the Sarawak State Security Council chaired by the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), which takes care of security and safety issues.
“I hope the Premier, as the chairman of the Sarawak State Security Council, will step up and perform his duty, and eliminate all these bad elements and social ills and vices in our society,” he added.
He also welcomed the recent statement by the Sarawak Commissioner of Police, Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah, who pledged to personally act against illegal gambling operators.
“I welcome the statement by our Commissioner of Police, saying that if there are any illegal gambling outlets, he will personally go and catch the culprit. But we are here to see the results,” he asserted.
At the same time, Chong also raised concerns over gender equality in leadership positions within Sarawak’s local government.
He noted that among the three city administrations, four municipal councils, and 22 district councils, only one is currently headed by a woman—the Subis District Council.
“Are women incapable of holding the post of Mayor, Municipal Council Chairman, or District Officer? The target should be 30 per cent women participation, yet out of 29 key local government posts, only one is held by a woman,” Chong pointed out.
He further urged the Sarawak government to review appointments and increase women’s representation in these leadership roles, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. – DayakDaily
