Three residential units operating as illegal online gambling centres were busted by the Immigration Department during a joint raid at the Putra Permai Selesa apartments in Sri Kembangan last night.
According to Immigration deputy director-general (Operations) Jafri Embok Taha, the gambling dens were uncovered while officers were conducting inspections for undocumented migrants. “These premises, hidden behind closed doors in residential units, were being used as gambling hubs,” he said at a press conference.
The units are believed to be locally owned, as checks on utility bills revealed Malaysian names. However, the operators and patrons found inside were all foreigners, many of whom are suspected to be undocumented immigrants.
The matter has been referred to the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) for further action.
The bust took place during Op Bersepadu, a large-scale enforcement operation involving 217 officers from agencies such as the Immigration Department, General Operations Force, Civil Defence Force, MBSJ, and the National Registration Department. Of the 741 foreigners screened, 496 were arrested for immigration offences.
Jafri added that the department will intensify its collaboration with other enforcement bodies to clamp down on illegal activities, especially in residential areas. He also urged the public to report any suspicious operations involving foreigners to the authorities.