JOHOR BARU: Malaysia's seemingly lax laws on gambling is among reasons why many international online gambling syndicates, especially from China, use Malaysia as their base.
Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said between January 1 and June 30, 2020, police conducted 391 operations on illegal online gambling premises and 12 gambling call centres in Johor.
"In China, for example, those caught for gambling and bribery are punishable by death while in Malaysia, the law on gambling is not that harsh.
"That is probably why these syndicates choose Malaysia as their base even though their target market is China," said Ayob Khan.
In the latest case, police raided two condominium units in Iskandar Puteri that were used as call centres where 18 Chinese nationals were arrested.
Ayob Khan said during the raids, police also seized five laptops, three computers, 42 mobile phones and two WiFi modems.
"Initial investigations showed that the syndicate had been active for about two months. The syndicate offers 'Big, Small' bets using the 'Lu Yi Bao' mobile app and collects about RM144,000 in daily bets," he said.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 40 have been remanded for 14 days and the case is being investigated under Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming House Act 1953.