Content Writer: Janice Chew • Monday, 25/10/2025 - 23:50:49 - PM
Authorities in Malaysia have executed a large-scale operation targeting illegal online gambling activities, resulting in the arrest of 147 individuals in the state of Selangor. The detainees include 140 Malaysians (110 men, 30 women) and seven foreigners aged between 20 and 50. The operation was carried out by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), in collaboration with state law-enforcement units focusing on cyber-gambling and illicit syndicates.
According to the New Straits Times, the arrests came as part of a crackdown on an online gambling network operating within the region. Reports note that the detainees were linked to a call-centre style operation facilitating illegal bets, and that the network had foreign and local personnel coordinating the activity. Comparable earlier arrests include a Sungai Buloh raid where 34 were nabbed.
This crackdown aligns with a broader trend of Malaysian authorities intensifying efforts against online gambling and associated fraud. For example, a prior operation resulted in the arrest of 400+ suspected cyber-fraudsters in Kuala Lumpur, and other cells targeting Chinese-based players have been uncovered. The PDRM has increasingly used units such as the anti-vice, gaming and secret societies division (D7) to coordinate such raids.
The implications are significant for both regulators and the illicit gambling market in Malaysia. The scale of arrests signals tightening enforcement and may deter operators who leverage call-centre models, offshore payment channels and foreign workers. It also places greater pressure on unlicensed online gambling platforms operating in the region. For the legal/regulatory ecosystem, the move may bolster the standing of licensed operators and help clarify the risk-landscape for investors.