POLICE arrested 81,442 people across the country over their alleged involvement in various forms of illegal gambling between 2019 and October 31.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Abd Jalil Hassan said during the same period, police seized cash amounting to more than RM24 million during the raids conducted against illegal gambling.

He said they also raided premises carrying out public lottery without a licence – 11,491 raids in 2019, 8,324 last year and 9,561 so far this year.

“Police also checked on the gambling premises licensed by the Ministry of Finance and the operators were found to be adhering to the licence conditions set,” he said at a media conference held in Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur.

“Based on the records, there are 161 licensed gambling operators involving a casino, 72 company clubs and 88 association clubs.”

On the claim by cosmetics entrepreneur Nur Sajat or his real name, Muhammad Sajjad Kamaruz Zaman, who fled to Australia, that he had been fondled by Selangor State Islamic Religious Department (Jais) officers during his arrest, Jalil said police are still investigating it while a police report has been lodged by Jais on the allegation.

The media had earlier reported on Nur Sajat’s claim that he was roughed up and fondled by Jais enforcement officers after he was called to give a statement last January.

Jalil said police are waiting for confirmation from the Thai and Australian governments on Nur Sajat’s actual location.

“The Malaysian High Commission in Australia and Malaysian Embassy in Thailand have officially written to them on the matter and are waiting for their replies,” he added. – Bernama, November 3, 2021.