Malaysia Readies New Legislation to Crack Down on Illegal Gaming

Malaysia authorities have had enough of illegal gambling and are preparing new legislative measures to crack down on the activity. While nothing is set in stone yet, officials hope to address the issue and shield the local youth from harm.

Malaysian Lawmakers Consider New Legislation to Stop Illicit Gaming

Malaysia officials are mulling over a new bill that would increase the country’s efforts in the war on illegal gambling, including illegal online gambling. While no bill has been filed as of the time of this writing, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof teased that lawmakers are currently preparing the legislative measure.

Fadillah elaborated that the measure, which is currently in the works, should make its way to parliament soon, potentially even at the next parliamentary sitting.

However, as of the time of this writing, much remains uncertain since officials have yet to decide whether to introduce a standalone bill or simply propose amendments to existing laws and regulations.

Officials will therefore decide on how to best approach the matter and organize the planned changes.

Illegal Gambling Exposes the Malaysian Youth to Harm

The talks about a new bill designed to crack down on illegal gambling come amid concerns about the growth of the illegal offer and the harm it causes to the Malaysian youth. Fadillah emphasized the social aspect of the mulled measures, saying that illegal gambling activities hurt many, especially vulnerable groups, such as younger people.

Speaking to local news outlets, Fadillah emphasized that failing to prevent illegal gambling could cause significant harm at a social level. Because of that, the Malaysian government is taking things very seriously, which is why it is preparing to devise new legislative measures to counter the activity.

Fadillah teased that the government is considering changes to the law that would reinforce the country’s ability to stop illegal gambling.  

Malaysian Police Bust Illegal Gambling Den

Speaking of illegal gambling in Malaysia, the Selangor police previously busted an illegal online gambling ring in Sungai Buloh. The raid resulted in the arrests of 34 people who were believed to be tied to the operation.

According to officials, the illegal operation in question generated roughly $532 a day.