A large-scale police operation in Sungai Buloh, Malaysia has led to the arrest of 124 individuals, including 78 foreign nationals, for their involvement in illegal gambling and cockfighting activities, in a raid that underscores the persistence of underground betting networks in rural areas.
The raid, which took place at Melwood Arena, was the culmination of a multi-agency surveillance effort over several months, led by Bukit Aman’s Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7). The operation, codenamed “Ops Dadu Mega”, was supported by 94 personnel from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Drone Unit, and the Department of Veterinary Services, highlighting the scale and complexity of the illicit operation.
Among those arrested were 46 Malaysians and 78 Indonesians, believed to be either participants or organisers of both public lottery gambling and cockfighting matches. Authorities seized RM145,855 ($31,000) in cash, 52 live chickens, seven chicken carcasses, and a range of gambling paraphernalia from the scene. Investigators believe the syndicate had been operating for several months, leveraging remote locations to avoid detection.
According to Deputy CID Director Datuk Fadil Marsus, the activities fall under Section 4A(a) of the Open Gaming House Act 1953, which prohibits unlicensed public gambling, as well as various sections of the Immigration Act 1959/63 due to the involvement of foreign nationals lacking proper documentation.
Cockfighting, though illegal in Malaysia, remains a persistent underground activity in certain regions. The practice is not only prohibited under gambling laws but also violates animal cruelty provisions under the Animals Act 1953, potentially exposing offenders to fines or imprisonment.
“This is not just about gambling—it’s about organised crime and animal cruelty,” said Datuk Fadil. “The public plays a key role in helping us uncover such operations. We urge communities to report suspicious gatherings, especially in rural areas where illegal betting activities are often hidden.”
He noted that many of the foreigners involved were likely brought in as part of a cross-border syndicate, raising concerns about human trafficking elements linked to underground gambling.
The Department of Veterinary Services has taken custody of the surviving animals, and investigations are underway to assess potential violations of animal welfare legislation.
Police have signalled that more raids are imminent, especially as criminal syndicates increasingly turn to secluded rural venues and tech-savvy methods to coordinate their operations. The case also raises broader questions about enforcement capacity and the need for community-police partnerships to root out entrenched illegal betting networks.
