Malaysia blocks gambling sites ahead of wider shutdown
Authorities in the country block access to 172 gambling sites as it explores permanent anti-gambling measures
Malaysian authorities have blocked access to some 172 online gambling domains as part of a renewed crackdown on illegal gambling.
Datuk Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi, chairman of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM), told the Malaysia Star that the blocking was only a “temporary measure” and that more permanent solutions were being sought.
Sharil said the Commission will collaborate with other authorities in the country, including the national police and Home Office, in closing access to the sites, and added that the SKMM would campaign to have the sites shut down.
Speaking at the launch of a new report into Malaysia’s regulations regarding digital communications, Sharil said it was difficult for authorities to trace illegal gambling sites due to their use of “back doors or loopholes in the computer system”.
“The banning of these websites is not permanent. Many new sites or clone sites might make it onto the internet,” he added with the sites concerned not disclosed by the government.
Malaysia’s government revealed plans to implement stricter online gambling regulations last week with new proposals expected to be submitted early in 2015.
Gambling in the country is currently governed by the Common Gaming House and Betting Acts 1953, however the lack of any laws relating to online gambling has allowed Malaysia to become a prosperous grey market for some operators.
While there has been no indication as to what shape the proposed new laws will take in Malaysia, its neighbour Singapore effectively prohibited online gambling last month by passing a new bill which banned all forms of gambling except for a number of narrow exemptions.
Earlier this week William Hill was forced to close its Philippines office amid allegations of illegal gambling activity in the country, which were denied by a spokesperson for William Hill.