In a bid to tackle the mounting challenge of online gambling, Malaysia’s Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, announced today the government’s intention to revise outdated legislation. The move comes amid increasing concerns that current laws, enacted over 70 years ago, fail to effectively address the unique issues posed by gambling in the digital era.
The Minister pointed to the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and the Betting Act 1953, both of which have remained untouched since their inception. He argued that these acts, shaped by a pre-digital landscape, lack the necessary provisions to deter modern-day online gambling operators and players.
“Can you imagine?” Nasution rhetorically asked the Dewan Rakyat, “In 1953, gambling likely meant cockfighting, but today it’s all about online platforms. Yet we’re still operating under the same outdated acts.”
He emphasised that past efforts to revise these laws have stalled, and vowed to bring the matter to the Prime Minister’s attention, given the acts fall under the Finance Ministry’s jurisdiction.
Nasution further asserted that online gambling, not recognized as a criminal offence under current acts, leaves perpetrators in a legal loophole that often results in them walking away with only minor fines. He expressed his concern that this loophole not only impedes the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies but also encourages rampant corruption and bribery.
“When a multi-billion-dollar industry is penalized with a mere RM50,000 fine, it’s clear that our approach needs to change,” Nasution pointed out.
The Minister also acknowledged the existence of political patronage that has allowed illegal operators to continue thriving, stating that the issue must be confronted as a national priority.
He revealed that, from 2021 to May 2023, authorities blocked access to 2,119 gambling websites, only for mirror sites to replace them almost immediately, demonstrating the immense challenge at hand.
The news about the planned legislative changes has stirred lively debate, underscoring the gravity and urgency of the issue. The Malaysian Home Ministry’s intention to modernize gambling legislation marks a significant step towards aligning Malaysia’s legal framework with the realities of the digital age.
This news is based on an article originally published on malaymail.com.
