Johor Bahru: A total of 470 online gambling premises in Johor have had their electricity supply cut off since January 2024 until February 26. Johor police chief Datuk M Kumar reported that 88 business licenses involved in these activities were also revoked by the local authorities throughout this period.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the authorities have submitted a request to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block access to websites involved in these activities in an effort to curb the issue. “This effort reflects the continued commitment of the authorities to ensure that gambling crimes can be eradicated for the well-being of the community,” Kumar stated in a statement.

Kumar revealed that the latest operation to cut electricity supply occurred on February 25 and 26, involving 86 premises. The operation was conducted under Section 21A of the Open Gambling House Act 1953 (Act 289), with participation from 64 senior and junior police officers, 48 Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) personnel, and seven local authority officials.

He further added that the Iskandar Puteri area recorded the highest number of premises affected, with 19, followed by Johor Bahru Selatan (14), Kota Tinggi (11), Johor Bahru Utara (10), Muar (7), Batu Pahat (6), Pontian (5), Kluang (4), Kulai (4), Segamat (3), Mersing (2), and Tangkak (1). In addition to electricity cuts, equipment was seized from seven premises in Muar and one in Tangkak, while eight premises also had their licenses revoked during this operation.

Kumar emphasized that the authorities would not tolerate any form of gambling activities and would continue to monitor and inspect premises to prevent these activities from becoming active and widespread. He also advised owners of premises to ensure that their tenants do not misuse the premises for gambling activities.