Malaysian police have arrested 328 individuals following a sweeping crackdown on illegal gambling across the country. The two-day operation, code-named Op Dadu Mega, was conducted on 30 and 31 August by the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in collaboration with state-level enforcement teams. 

According to authorities, the coordinated raids targeted nearly 400 premises suspected of running unauthorised gambling activities. Of the 395 locations inspected, 272 were confirmed to be involved in illegal gaming operations. 

The raids uncovered a wide-ranging network of underground activities, including unlicensed lottery outlets, online gambling hubs, call centres managing gambling transactions, and family entertainment businesses that were secretly converted into gambling venues, highlighting the scale of the problem.

Variety of Gambling Outlets Shut Down

Police revealed that 245 of the raided premises were selling unauthorised public lottery tickets. Another 20 were operating as online gambling centres, while five disguised as family entertainment businesses but hosted gambling activities instead. Two call centres were also discovered to be coordinating illegal betting operations.

The crackdown resulted in the seizure of significant evidence including cash, computers, gambling machines and digital devices linked to illicit gaming activities. Authorities stated that the confiscated items will be used to strengthen the prosecution’s case against those charged.

Suspects Include Locals and Foreign Nationals

Of the 328 people detained, 286 were men and 42 were women. The suspects include operators, staff members and players found within the raided premises. A breakdown of those arrested shows that 258 were Malaysian nationals, while 70 were foreigners.

The foreign suspects are also being investigated under the Immigration Act, which carries severe penalties for individuals without proper documentation. This may include fines, imprisonment and corporal punishment. Police noted that further investigations are ongoing to determine the level of involvement of each individual and whether larger syndicates are behind the illegal operations.

Legal Consequences and Ongoing Enforcement

Investigations are being carried out under multiple provisions of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953. Section 4A(a) penalises individuals who assist in public lotteries with fines ranging from RM20,000 (approximately US$4,300) to RM200,000, including possible imprisonment of up to five years. Section 4B(a) covers offences related to gambling machines, with fines between RM10,000 and RM100,000 per machine, along with a maximum five-year jail term.

Further charges might also be filed against suspects for managing gambling premises or possessing gambling paraphernalia. CID director Datuk M. Kumar confirmed that the crackdown will continue as part of nationwide efforts against illegal gambling. He urged members of the public to play their part by promptly reporting suspicious activities to the relevant authorities for action.