SIBU, Dec 4: A total of 22 people Statewide consisting of 16 men and six women have been arrested between November 19 and December 3 for their involvement in betting on the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament.
They were detained from a total of 20 raids carried out under Ops Soga XI.
Speaking at a press conference today, Sarawak Commissioner of police Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said the main focus of the operation was to prevent and crack down on illegal betting activities throughout this football tournament.
In addition, he explained, it aims to arrest syndicates or individuals who act as brokers/punters and then prosecute them in court in accordance with the provisions of the law under the Gambling Act 1963 and the Open Gambling House Act 1953.
Ops Soga IX was launched simultaneously in all districts within the state of Sarawak.
“The total arrests involved 19 local citizens and three foreigners aged between 18 to 53 while the total loot was worth RM3,983,” he said.
Mohd Azman said that the raids were conducted by Sarawak Contingent Headquarters (IPK) with four raids, Kuching (3), Padawan (3), Miri (2), Sibu (1), Bintulu (5), Sarikei (1) and Kota Samarahan (1).
He explained further, as many as 20 investigation papers were opened and investigated under the Open Gambling Act 1953.
“Out of the 20 investigation papers, two investigation papers have been referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor while the remaining investigation papers are still under investigation.
“All the arrests are remanded for further investigation,” he stressed.
Mohd Azman said that during the raid his party also confiscated cash amounting to RM3,983, computers (1), smartphones (19), laptops (1), tablets (2), printers (1), mobile printers (1), SIM cards (2), match schedule paper (15) and betting paper (10).
He said that all cases are investigated under Section 6(3) of the Betting Act 1953, Section 6(1) of the Betting Act 1953, Section 4(1)(d) of the Betting Act 1953 and Section 4(1) of the Open Gambling Act 1953.
“The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will take strict action against individuals who organise and conduct betting, based on existing laws in an effort to deal with gambling activities.
“People who have any information about gambling activities can channel the information to the Op Soga IX WhatsApp hotline at 013-5253052,” he said. — DayakDaily
