(Miri, 25 Feb) Miri Police District Chief, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Alexson Naga Chabu, emphasized that up to now, the police have not found any illegal slot machines at any location in Miri.
He made this statement in response to a report published in an English newspaper on February 22, 2025. The report quoted Sarawak PAS Commissioner, Tuan Haji Jofri Jaraiee, expressing concerns over the proliferation of illegal slot machines in Miri and called on the authorities to take stringent action against such establishments.
Alexson pointed out that police investigations have indeed found some shops involved in providing top-up (reload) services for online gambling. In response, the police have taken strict enforcement actions and conducted 61 raids during the period of January to February 2025, arresting those involved and seizing related items, with cases being investigated under the 1953 Open House Gambling Act (Akta Rumah Judi Terbuka 1953).
Additionally, the police have collaborated with SESCO electricity company to implement power cuts to 15 premises involved in gambling activities this year to curb the growth of illegal gambling.
Alexson emphasized that the police will continue to conduct raids and take decisive measures to prevent gambling activities from rampant spread in Miri.
The police also urge the public, if they have information regarding illegal gambling activities, to report to the nearest police station or call the hotline at 085-433730 to provide information. The police appreciate the public's concern and support for maintaining law and order in Miri.