SHAH ALAM, 17 Dec: Central authorities such as the police and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) should be the main driving force in curbing illegal gambling activities and entertainment centres in Selangor.
This is because the power of the Local Authorities (LA) are limited compared with the police who has the authority to arrest offenders and take the case to court.
ASelangor State Government officer said that this is also simmilar for TNB where the company can cut-off electric supply to premises that run gambling activities to cripple their operation.
Local Government, Local Government, Research and Development Exco, Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew said that so far, local authorities across the country have played a role in seizing the premises and confiscating gambling equipment.
In fact, he said, the State Government has not issued licences for such premises since 2006 and the policy has been continued till now.
He firmly said that all licences for massage parlours and entertainment centres in Selangor were issued by the previous Umno-BN government and not the current Pakatan Rakyat State Government.
“The issue of activities in such premises lie in enforcement therefore, the police has more authority compared to Local Authority enforcement.
“Enforcement by the police is very important compared to Local Authorities.
“However, Umno-BN is still raising the matter when they know that for the State Government, the issuing of licences are not from our side,” he said when contacted.
Previously, a newspaper reported that gambling centres are sprouting like mushrooms in Selangor and this is worrying residents.
According to the newspaper, such premises are mostly located in Petaling Jaya, Klang, Sungai Buloh, Selayang, Batu Caves, Rawang, Gombak, and Kepong.
Meanwhile, Klang Municipal Council (MPK) member, Azmizam Zaman Huri said that the law regarding electricity supply should be tightened at the federal level to the Klang Municipal Council Members (MPK) Azmizam Age Huri said the law on the electricity supply should be tightened at the federal level to stem the proliferation of illegal gambling premises.
He said that illegal gambling premises are difficult to curb because the operators misuse premises licences.
“If premises licences are blocked, only a few hundred (operators will be stopped). However, they will continue operating without business licences.They only need basic supplies such as electricity and water.Such operations (curbing) should be done by the police and assisted by the local Authorities,” siad Azmizam.