Malaysian Immigration Department detained 15 foreign nationals during special operation in Pandan Jaya targeting clandestine illegal gambling activities across four premises.
Malaysian illegal gambling crackdown saw 15 foreign nationals detained at 12.01am by Immigration Department. Operation seized 7 Indonesian passports, 31 tablets, 15 mobile phones, and RM1,674 cash from four premises in Pandan Jaya.
- 15 Foreign Nationals Detained
- Immigration Violations Confirmed
- Seized Evidence Details
- Security Measures at Premises
15 foreign nationals were detained by the Malaysian Immigration Department during a special operation to crack down on clandestine illegal gambling activities operated across four Arden Consult premises in Pandan Jaya early yesterday morning. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the operation, conducted at 12.01am, was the result of public information and a month-long intelligence gathering by a team of officers and personnel from the Intelligence and Special Operations Division of the Putrajaya Immigration Headquarters.
15 Foreign Nationals Detained
Among those detained were a Bangladeshi man and an Indonesian woman believed to have acted as premises caretakers and cashiers. Also detained were three Myanmar men, two Indonesian men, a Bangladeshi man, and an Indian man respectively, as well as six Indonesian women aged between 21 and 38. Zakaria added that preliminary checks revealed that all the detained foreigners are believed to have committed immigration violations.
These violations included abusing passes, overstaying, and lacking valid travel documents or passes to reside in the country. All those detained were taken to the Putrajaya Immigration Office for further action. The case is being investigated under Section 56(1)(d), Section 6(1)(c), and Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, as well as Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
Meanwhile, Datuk Zakaria said five local men were issued notices to appear at the Immigration office to assist with the investigation. This multi-national detention highlights the cross-border nature of illegal gambling operations in Malaysia. The Immigration Department’s intelligence gathering required a full month to identify and locate the premises.
Immigration Violations Confirmed
Zakaria Shaaban confirmed that all detained foreigners violated immigration laws during their time in Malaysia. The Immigration Act 1959/63 provides the legal framework for enforcement of these violations. Section 56(1)(d) addresses unauthorized entry and overstaying. Section 6(1)(c) covers abuse of immigration passes. Section 15(1)(c) penalizes those without valid documentation.
Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 specifically targets involvement in illegal activities while in the country. The Immigration Department coordinates with law enforcement to pursue both immigration and gambling violations simultaneously. This approach ensures comprehensive enforcement across multiple legal violations.
The operation demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to cracking down on illegal gambling operations. Immigration officials work alongside intelligence teams to identify and dismantle these networks. Five local men faced notices to appear, indicating potential complicity in the operations. This investigation could lead to additional arrests and prosecutions.
Seized Evidence Details
Also seized in the operation were seven Indonesian passports, 31 tablets, 15 mobile phones, employee schedule books, copies of premise rental agreements, and RM1,674 in cash believed to be proceeds from the activity. These items provide concrete evidence linking the detained individuals to the illegal gambling operations. The seized cash represents direct proceeds from gambling activities at the premises.
Mobile phones and tablets likely contained customer communications, transaction records, and operational communications. Employee schedule books reveal staffing patterns and operational hours. Rental agreements confirm the premises locations and tenancy arrangements. These documents establish the criminal enterprise’s organizational structure.
The Immigration Department can use this evidence to prosecute both immigration violations and illegal gambling charges. Prosecutors may pursue multiple charges against each detained individual. The seized items provide documentation for legal proceedings and potential asset recovery. This systematic evidence collection supports comprehensive enforcement.
Security Measures at Premises
Zakaria added that the premises operated illegal gambling activities clandestinely under strict security controls, opening only to regular customers or known individuals. The premises were also equipped with a closed-circuit television system to monitor customer movements or the presence of authorities. Entry access was controlled using magnetic iron doors locked from the inside. These security measures designed to prevent unauthorized access and detection.
The CCTV systems recorded all customer interactions and potential law enforcement approaches. Magnetic doors locked from inside prevented quick escape by operators or customers. This security infrastructure indicates sophisticated planning and operational maturity. The premises avoided detection through these protective measures until the Immigration Department operation.
Such security controls suggest these illegal gambling operations target specific customer segments. Regular customers likely included repeat visitors seeking gambling opportunities outside regulated venues. The controlled access limited law enforcement entry and protected the operation. These security measures demonstrate the sophistication of illegal gambling networks in Malaysia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many foreigners were detained in the Pandan Jaya illegal gambling operation?
Malaysian Immigration Department detained 15 foreign nationals during the special operation. The detainees included Bangladeshi, Indonesian, Myanmar, and Indian nationals across four premises in Pandan Jaya.
What immigration violations did the detained foreigners commit?
Preliminary checks revealed abuses of passes, overstaying, and lacking valid travel documents or passes to reside in Malaysia. All detained foreigners faced prosecution under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and related regulations.
What evidence was seized during the illegal gambling operation?
Immigration officials seized seven Indonesian passports, 31 tablets, 15 mobile phones, employee schedule books, rental agreements, and RM1,674 in cash believed to be gambling proceeds from the operation.
What security measures were found at the illegal gambling premises?
The premises operated under strict security controls with closed-circuit television systems monitoring customer movements. Magnetic iron doors locked from inside controlled entry access to prevent unauthorized entry and detection.
What is Datuk Zakaria Shaaban’s role in the operation?
Datuk Zakaria Shaaban serves as Immigration director-general. He confirmed the 12.01am operation was conducted by the Intelligence and Special Operations Division of Putrajaya Immigration Headquarters following public information and month-long intelligence gathering.
What happened to the five local men issued notices?
Five local men were issued notices to appear at the Immigration office to assist with the investigation. This indicates potential complicity in the illegal gambling operations and possible immigration violations.
This article has been thoroughly researched and reviewed by the CasinoBait editorial team to ensure accuracy and relevance for Asian casino players.
