DUN Sarawak: Enforcement of illegal gambling should be targeted by union leaders

KUCHING, 16 Oct: The Sarawak Government has been asked to cooperate with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to intensify action against illegal online gambling activities allegedly operating through the premises of various stores, including in DUN Tamin area.

ADUN Tamin, Ir Christopher Gira Sambang said that enforcement statistics for 2025 and 2026 need to be detailed, including the number of premises raided as well as individuals arrested, charged or convicted.

According to him, enforcement actions should also target organizers, financiers and union leaders who operate illegal gambling activities, including monitoring financial networks and addressing business license abuse.

"Enforcement must reach the organizers and profit from illegal gambling", he said.

Christopher said that while police enforcement is the responsibility of the Federal Government, state governments can play a role through coordination of licensing enforcement and prevention efforts at the community level.

He also suggested the implementation of awareness-raising programmes, youth activities, counselling services and secret complaint channels by 2027 with the involvement of long-term heads of households, schools and families.

In related developments, Christopher also touched on Sarawak's development achievements under the leadership of Prime Minister Sarawak, including state revenues of RM14.2 billion in 2024, more than double that of 2017, as well as World Bank recognition of Sarawak as a high-income region.

Among the highlighted strategic achievements were the acquisition of Bakun Hydroelectric Dam, the return of Bintulu Port, the establishment of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) and Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS), Sarawak's position as the largest shareholder of AFFIN Bank and the establishment of AirBorneo.

He said the strategic assets should be used to generate productive investments, enhance connectivity networks, provide employment opportunities and increase household income of Sarawakis.

"My commitment remains clear, which is to serve responsibly, accelerate rural development and ensure that Tamin's voice is heard", he said.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining inclusive governance as well as harmony between multi-racial and religious communities, in addition to defending Sarawak's rights under the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63).

In the run-up to the 13th Sarawak State Election, Christopher expressed his support for efforts to pursue the state development agenda and his readiness to continue serving in the Sarawak Premier team was subject to a decision by the party leadership. -TVS