By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 12: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has hit back at allegations on social media accusing Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) leaders, including himself, of paying no heed to illegal gambling outlets operating under the guise of coffee shops and grocery stores.
Describing the claims as “unfair, misleading, and politically motivated”, Yap stressed that assemblymembers have no authority to direct enforcement action against such activities.
“Enforcement against illegal gambling is governed by federal law under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and lies solely with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
“Local councils only issue licences for legitimate businesses, and if a licensed premises engages in illegal gambling, only the police can investigate, raid, and prosecute,” he said in a statement today.
Yap said prevention should start at the licensing and tenancy stage, urging local councils to vet trading licence applicants thoroughly. At the same time, landlords should screen potential tenants to ensure their premises are not misused.
He also pointed out that the areas cited in the allegations—Kota Sentosa, Batu Kawa, and Batu Kitang—fall under the Stampin parliamentary constituency, represented by Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen, who is its MP.
“As the MP for Stampin, Chong has the federal platform and direct channels to demand stronger police action and stricter laws. It is grossly unfair to shift blame onto an assemblyperson who has no control over federal agencies, while ignoring the inaction of the MP who can influence them,” he said.
Yap emphasised that although he cannot order raids or revoke licences, he has always acted on public complaints by referring them to relevant enforcement agencies.
“The allegation that I am ‘silent’ or ‘covering up’ is false and irresponsible. Making accusations without acknowledging jurisdictional limits is nothing more than political point-scoring. If DAP is genuinely concerned, their own MP should be leading the charge in Parliament,” he added.
Yap reaffirmed his commitment to continue reporting suspected cases and working with authorities, but called on the public to understand where the enforcement powers truly lie.
On August 11, a post was made on a Facebook page titled ‘砂拉越最大膽（黨）Sarawak Largest Voice Society’ which accused several SUPP members, including Yap, of not doing anything to combat illegal gambling activities in their respective areas. — DayakDaily
