Muda Sarawak warns alarming surge in online gambling threat

KUCHING (Feb 4): The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) Sarawak has raised alarm over the rapid spread of online gambling activities across the state, particularly in rural areas, describing it as a growing threat to social security and public well-being.

Its Sarawak chairman Jeffery Ngui said the activity is destroying household economies and increasingly affecting senior citizens, low-income groups and youths, many of whom became trapped in addiction, debt and related criminal activities.

“Many premises such as coffee shops, grocery stores, and seemingly ordinary outlets are now believed to be operating openly or covertly as hubs for online gambling activities,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Ngui expressed support for Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah’s firm stance against illegal gambling, noting that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has intensified operations, including raids led personally by the commissioner.

He also welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directive for enforcement agencies to take firm action within a week, expressing hope that the instruction would translate into swift and sustained enforcement efforts in Sarawak.

Ngui said public reaction to online gambling circulating on social media reflected growing anxiety and a strong demand for action without delay or favouritism.

However, he noted that many individuals with information on gambling operations remained silent out of fear, and called on the PDRM to provide full protection for whistleblowers, including guarantees of confidentiality and personal safety.

“Without clear and credible protection mechanisms, efforts to eradicate online gambling will continue to face serious obstacles at the grassroots level,” he said, stressing that Sarawak must not be allowed to become a centre for online gambling activities.