Onling gambling in the Malaysian state of Penang is said to be so widespread that a non-governmental organisation has urged the government for a crack down, describing it as “rampant”.
Pertubuhan Islam Gabungan Amal, or, in English; The Federation of Islamic Organisations of Amal (Pertiga) said gambling in the state is leading to social ills in the community and the state government should give “serious attention” to the matter as it could put the “well-being of the people” at risk.
In a report by the Borneo Post, Pertiga president Sabaruddin Ahmad, said yesterday: “Our society can break up because of gambling. Robbery, divorce, suicides and cheating will become rampant here.”
It might be illegal in the state, but online gambling turns people into lying, cheating, thieving, suicidal rapists? [Eyebrow well and truly raised].
Declaring their “evidence” through work spying on the public, he continued: “Based on our surveillance, there are about 300 such premises.”
He added that Pertiga also had acquired solid evidence of cyber cafes in the state being illegally involved in online gambling.
In order to get the government’s attention and to effectively do what they want them to do – take action against online gamblers in the state – Sabaruddin also said the organisation launched a protest from yesterday. They have also lodged a police report at Sungai Nibong police station.
“Our aim to hold the demonstration is not to cause disorder. We want the state government to view the issue seriously,” Sabaruddin added.
Perhaps a good way to start getting the state government to “view the issue seriously” would be to stop being so extreme with their views on the effect of online gambling in the state (suicide, rape, divorce, etc). Nevertheless, it’s yet another example that shows the demand for online gambling in Asia.
