Malaysia set to rework gambling & betting laws

Malaysian Attorney General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, has stated that his Chamber is set to submit a proposal to amend and update Malaysian laws with regards to online gambling. Gani Patail made the statement whilst addressing an audience at the Malaysia Legal Training Institute.

Current Malaysia regulations sees all forms of gambling being governed by the Common Gaming House and Betting Acts. Gani Patail stated that current regulations needed to be reviewed and reworked in order for Malaysia to combat illegal gambling and protect its online consumers.

The Malaysian government has publically stated that it would toughen its stance and policing on illegal gambling. Throughout 2014 the government and police forces have carried out raids on illegal gambling centres throughout Malaysian provinces.

However Gani Patail believes that the measures taken will not be effective, without an appropriate governmental framework on gambling regulation and policy. Gani Patail pointed that the measures did not cover illegal betting operators running digital operations targeting Malaysian consumers.

“The current laws cover gambling, but not virtual gambling. The problem is that many illegal gambling activities are done online. We need to have a new set of laws or amend the old laws,” Gani Patail commented to the star.com.my