Police in Miri have arrested eight individuals following a series of raids on suspected online gambling premises across remote areas in the division between April 27 and 30.
According to the police, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) carried out coordinated operations targeting three locations in Batu Niah, three in Bekenu, and two in Lambir.
Authorities said the raids focused on small commercial units as well as unnumbered huts in isolated areas believed to be used for illegal online gambling activities. The operations were carefully planned due to the remote nature of the locations, which made enforcement more challenging.
In a Facebook statement, Miri police said electricity supplies were cut at six of the premises during the enforcement action. Several items believed to have been used in gambling activities were also seized for further investigation.
A total of eight suspects were detained, comprising seven women aged between 20 and 35, and one 31-year-old man who is believed to have acted as the caretaker of the premises involved.
Police added that all suspects have been remanded for two days to assist investigations and are expected to be charged in court once inquiries are completed.
