Police forms special teams to look out for bookies

Perak police have set up 62 intelligence special teams to monitor and detect secret society syndicates and sponsors of illegal betting during the upcoming 13th general election.

State police chief Datuk Mohd Shukri Dahlan said about 250 members of the teams which were formed one month ago, were stationed as all districts to look out for illegal betting activities.

"We will fight all put against these syndicates and will take stern action against those involved including taking them to court," he said when met today.

However, he said, police had so far not received any information on the existence of illegal betting syndicates in the state accepting bets on the elections.

"Usually, it happens after the nomination of candidates. Based on past observations, the bookies usually operate outside Perak, especially in Kuala Lumpur," he added.

Mohd Shukri urged the public to be the "eyes and ears" for the police by relaying information or reporting to the police on illegal betting activities.

He said individuals involved in such activities could be charged under the Betting Act 1953, which carries a jail term of up to five years and a fine of up to RM200,000.