KUALA LUMPUR: Since the resumption of Sports Toto operations on June 17 following the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO), jackpots totalling RM33.69 million have been won by lucky punters nationwide.
The biggest windfall was the Toto 4D Jackpot 1, which was won on July 19 by five people who walked away RM23.63 million.
A 46-year-old farmer from Sabah, who shared the biggest portion of the jackpot – RM19.88 million – had bet on car registration numbers he often spotted in his neighbourhood.
"I used to see the same car registration numbers on different cars in my neighbourhood, therefore I think this must be a hint for me to strike the lottery," he told Sports Toto.
The winner was only able to collect his winnings here a month later, as he could not afford a flight ticket.
"Being a farmer, I struggled to make ends meet. I had to work some odd jobs in order to buy a flight ticket.
"I didn't want to borrow from my friends and relatives because I don't want them to know that I'm a jackpot winner," he said.
The winner added that he wanted to use the money for his children to start their own businesses.
His pair of winning numbers – "1793 & 5181" – won him RM19,882,487.90 and an additional RM336 for buying a System 3 ticket.
The balance of the jackpot, amounting to RM3.75 million, was shared by four winners who bought the i-System tickets in Pahang, Johor (two individuals) and Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile. on July 22, a punter from Negri Sembilan won the RM6.66 million Star Toto 6/50 Jackpot 1.
The 48-year-old, who runs a car workshop, told Sports Toto that he would pick old winning jackpot numbers that he liked, to form his own set of winning numbers – 3, 4, 8, 10, 11 & 27.
"I am very grateful to win the jackpot, as my business was badly affected during the Movement Control Order period.
"With the winnings, I can use the money to pay off my debts," he said, adding that he will also donate to charitable organisations to help the underprivileged.
The winner walked away with RM6,662,206.20 by spending only RM1 on the game.
Not to be outdone, an 85-year-old from Sarawak won the RM3.4 million Toto 4D Jackpot 1 on July 25, by betting on his favourite numbers – 4007 and 1836.
"I have been playing Sports Toto games my whole life and this is the only time I won big," he said.
The winner said he plans to help his children in expanding their family business with the newfound wealth.
The winner bought a System 5 ticket and he won RM3,397,963.85 with an additional RM1,008.