KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 — Police have intensified nationwide enforcement against illegal sports betting ahead of the Fifa World Cup 2026, with more than 300 suspects arrested under an ongoing coordinated operation targeting online gambling activities.

In a statement, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said “Op Soga XI”, launched on June 11 and running until July 19, is being carried out nationwide in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to curb gambling promotion and advertising across websites and social media platforms.

CID director Datuk M. Kumar said the operation was launched in anticipation of a surge in illegal betting linked to major international sporting events, particularly the upcoming World Cup.

“As of now, a total of 293 raids have been conducted nationwide, resulting in the arrest of 331 individuals comprising 312 men and 19 women,” he said.

Of those arrested, 234 were locals while 97 were foreigners.

Police also seized RM145,005.09 in cash and identified betting transactions worth RM2.63 million linked to the illegal activities.

Authorities said 185 websites, applications, platforms and social media accounts were detected promoting or facilitating illegal football betting during the operation.

“These platforms will be subjected to blocking and content takedown actions with the assistance of MCMC,” the statement added.

All suspects have been detained for investigation under the Betting Act 1953 and Immigration Act 1959/63, depending on their offences.

Those involved face penalties ranging from fines of up to RM5,000 or six months’ jail for betting offences, while more serious offences such as operating or promoting illegal betting can carry fines of up to RM200,000 and jail terms of up to five years.

Foreign nationals found to have entered or remained in the country without valid documents are also being investigated under immigration laws.

Police also said investigations are being conducted under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).

PDRM said enforcement efforts will continue in collaboration with relevant agencies, and urged the public to come forward with information to help combat illegal gambling activities.