The government is in the final stages of drafting legislation aimed at curbing illegal gambling, with particular emphasis on online platforms, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said.
He indicated that the proposed Bill could be presented in the Dewan Rakyat as early as the upcoming parliamentary sitting. Speaking to reporters after presenting annual grants to Village Development and Security Committees in the Petra Jaya constituency, Fadillah said federal authorities were moving forward with efforts to strengthen the legal framework against unlawful betting activities.
Standalone Act Or Amend Existing Law
According to Fadillah, the draft law has not yet been named and remains under review. Policymakers are weighing whether to introduce a dedicated Act or to amend existing legislation such as the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953.
He added that authorities are also studying the possibility of incorporating provisions under broader cybercrime laws to better address the growing sophistication of online gambling syndicates.
The proposed legislation is expected to enhance enforcement powers, enabling police and other agencies to act more decisively against operators and facilitators of illegal gambling websites.
Rising Concerns Over Social Impact
Fadillah highlighted the damaging social consequences of unregulated gambling, particularly among youths, stressing that stronger safeguards are necessary to protect vulnerable groups. The rapid expansion of digital platforms has made gambling more accessible, intensifying calls for stricter controls.
Last November, Sarawak police underscored the difficulty of blocking online gambling sites. State Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said a fresh strategy was needed, urging closer cooperation with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd to improve system-blocking measures.
The forthcoming Bill signals the government’s intent to tighten oversight and respond to mounting public concern over the proliferation of online gambling activities nationwide.
