KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested nearly 1,000 people and seized over half a million ringgit in cash in a bid to weed out illegal gambling during Chinese New Year.
Police Force secretary Deputy Comm Noorsiah Mohd Saaduddin said they conducted Op Limau between Jan 15 and Jan 29.
"During the 15-day operation, we focussed on indoor and outdoor gambling and conducted 137 raids and seized RM513,793 cash.
"We also arrested 904 people during these raids," she said in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 31).
She said a total of 23 raids were conducted in Selangor involving 166 arrests with RM190,893 cash seized.
"This is followed by Sabah with RM72,538 cash seized through 17 raids and 87 arrests while in Johor, raids were conducted which led to 55 arrests and RM40,617 cash seized.
"Meanwhile the state with lowest cash seizure was Kelantan with two raids involving eight arrests and RM1,437 cash seized," she said.
DCP Noorsiah said they have opened investigations under Section 6(1) and Section 7(2) of the Common Gaming House Act 1953.
"The police will take stern action against any individuals who organise or conduct betting activities.
"Those with information on such activities can contact the Op Limau WhatsApp Hotline at 016-577 3477," she said.