The tough restrictions Malaysian authorities imposed on online gambling activities resulted in more than 20,000 arrests in the period January-November 2014.
Datuk Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, released information, concerning the so called Ops Dadu Khas operation.
According to statistics, more than 20,000 citizens were detained. More than 7,000 of them have either been taken to court or their case is currently thoroughly investigated.
What is more, the operation contributed to the seizure of 138,000 personal computers as their owners have been suspected in using them for taking part in illegal gambling activities. The total number of raids that have been carried out by the police was 62,819.
Penang police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi was really proud of the accomplishment of the police. Admittedly, nobody can deny that the police did a wonderful job, which made Hanafi boast that “there is no more illegal gambling and vice dens in the state”.
Yet, he encouraged everyone, who witnesses illegal gambling activities, to notify the authorities as soon as possible.
However, a question about the illegal gambling providers, that have the greatest impact on the development of Malaysian grey markets, was raised. Shortly after that, the police formed an elite federal unit and named it Special Task Force for Anti-Vice, Gaming and Gangsterism (STAGG). The top priority of the new unit was prosecuting and penalizing “the sharks” on the Malaysian illegal gambling market.
STAGG consists of 200 police authorities who have been carefully selected. In addition 20 people will be in charge of dealing with all paperwork.
Datuk Mohd Rodwan Mohd Yusof – the Deputy Police Commissioner was assigned to lead the unit, which will be located in Bukit Aman but will actively operate throughout the country.
The Home Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi commented that the main reason why STAGG was created was helping Malaysian authorities limit the illegal gambling activities and take all operators that violate the laws to court.
Although Malaysian officials considered the operation to be really successful, reports show that the revenue of the lottery operator, managed by Magnum Berhad, fell by almost 5%. In other words, the revenue generated in July, August and September was equal to MYR 670 million. The profit went down as well to reach MYR 45.4 million. According to Magnum officials, illegal gambling providers are to blame for the decrease, as they provide players with great discounts and higher payouts.
As far as the annual revenue is concerned, it fell 4%YOY and the profit decreased by almost 9%.
