KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA December 24, 2025 – The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has cracked down on illegal online gambling operations, raiding 21 premises across the country in a coordinated operation dubbed “Op Dadu Mega.” The four-day blitz, conducted from December 20 to 23, targeted call centers promoting unlicensed gambling websites, resulting in 85 arrests and the seizure of various electronic equipment.
According to a media statement from CP Datuk M. Kumar A/L S. Muthuvelu, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, the raids were led by the Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7) in collaboration with state contingents. Of the inspected sites, 20 were found to be operating as call centers for illegal gambling activities, managing and promoting websites that catered to both local customers and international clients from countries including the Philippines, China, and Australia. One additional premise was identified as a hub for a non-existent investment scam targeting Malaysians.
The arrests included 62 men and 23 women, comprising 47 local citizens and 38 foreigners. Suspects, believed to be operators and customer service personnel, were detained and taken to respective district police headquarters for documentation and further investigation. Items confiscated during the operation included computers, tablets, mobile phones, and other related equipment.
Investigations are proceeding under several legal provisions, including:
– Section 4B(a) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, for dealing with or conducting transactions involving gambling machines, which carries a fine of not less than RM10,000 and not more than RM100,000 per seized machine, plus imprisonment of up to five years.
– Section 4(1)(c) of the same Act, for managing or assisting in managing a common gaming house, punishable by a fine between RM5,000 and RM50,000, imprisonment up to three years, and additional fines per seized machine.
– Section 4(1)(g), for announcing or publishing the use of a place as a gaming house or inviting participation in gambling, with similar penalties.
– Section 420 of the Penal Code, for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, which may result in imprisonment from one to 10 years, whipping, and a fine.
– Immigration Act 1959/63 provisions, including Sections 6(1)(c) and 15(1)(c), for foreigners entering or staying in Malaysia without valid passes or permits, with penalties up to RM10,000 fine, five years’ imprisonment, or both, plus up to six strokes of the cane.
This latest operation is part of an ongoing crackdown on unlicensed gambling. From January 1 to December 23, 2025, PDRM has raided 117 such call centers nationwide, leading to the arrest of 713 individuals involved in similar activities.
PDRM emphasized that operations like Op Dadu Mega will be intensified to eradicate illegal gambling across Malaysia. The public is urged to channel information to authorities to aid in combating these crimes.
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