SEREMBAN, Jan 27 — The Negri Sembilan government is declaring war against premises carrying out illegal computerised gambling in the state.
State Urban Well-being, Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Jalaluddin Alias said he had directed all local authorities to step up their integrated operations.
The local authorities are working together with the police, Negri Sembilan Islamic Affairs Department, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), Fire and Rescue Department and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
“These integrated operations will continue as in previous years but this time we will have them more often to combat the illicit activity.
“We are in the process of closing down illegal gaming centres but at the same time the people must also stop patronising these places which only exist because there is a demand,” he told reporters here today.
He said as of January 15, police had conducted 260 raids and surveillances, arrested 44 suspects and seized 182 gaming machines, while 39 cases are at the prosecution stage.
He said all business licences for family entertainment centres had been frozen; the last renewal was only valid till the end of 2015.
“We still issue licences for billiard, snooker and children’s games at shopping centres..but that’s all. So any such centre that exists from now on are operating illegally,” he said.
On reflexology centres, he said 142 business licences were issued for the area under the Seremban Municipal Council.
“But we will not issue anymore new licences from this year onwards. And we warn those who have the licence not to violate the conditions, otherwise it would be terminated.
“We will monitor these reflexology centres from time to time as there is a possibility that they might be used for other businesses on the side,” he said. — Bernama
