Malaysia reinforces fight against illegal gambling

The state government is developing a new legislation that would help combat illegal gambling.

Home minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, revealed that the government is developing a new legislation in order to fight illegal gambling. The Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 is being studied to introduce changes.

“The (Home) Ministry, together with the police, are working with the Attorney-General’s office to see if a full change (is needed) to the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 to reflect new elements in gambling crime,” said the Minister and added that the government is concerned and looking into new preventive laws that would help end non-conventional gambling methods like online gambling,

“Special attention should be given to improve the online gambling law because online gambling activities, which can be done via smartphones, are fast becoming rampant right now. We are also collaborating with Interpol to create a firewall for telcos to prevent this from spreading,” he added.

Back in September, the government announced that a national crackdown against illegal operations was receiving further economic and strategic support. Whilst the plan is mostly focused on the iGaming sector, it is also part of a bigger framework against casino, lottery and sports betting operations.