A poker-based mini-casino in a Jalan Ampang penthouse ran by invitation only and involved only Chinese nationals, KL police say. 16 suspects face remand.
KUALA LUMPUR: A mini-casino-style gambling operation at a hotel penthouse in Jalan Ampang here was busted following the arrest of 16 foreigners in a raid early this morning.
Kuala Lumpur police Chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said the raid, conducted under Op Tembok at 1.50 am, led to the arrest of 14 Chinese men, one Nepalese man and a Chinese woman, aged between 26 and 50.
He said preliminary investigations found that the premises had been used as a mini-casino gambling venue offering poker games, operating on an invitation-only basis among close acquaintances and involving only Chinese nationals.
“During the raid, police seized a table, seven chairs, an access card, two sets of dice, a dealer card, 214 assorted-colour chips worth a total of RM5,180, 52 playing cards and RM1,000 in cash,” he said in a statement today.
Fadil said the case was being investigated under Section 4(1)(c) and Section 6(1) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, Section 186 of the Penal Code and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
He said all the suspects would be brought before a magistrate today for a remand application to assist in the investigation.
He also advised the public to stay away from all forms of gambling, stressing that enforcement action would be intensified to curb illegal activities.
Members of the public with information on gambling activities or criminal offences can channel it to the Kuala Lumpur police via the hotline at 03-2115 9999 or at the nearest police station, he said
