Malaysia’s PM signals tougher clampdown on illegal gambling as “overseas” online operators keep evading blocks

Anwar Ibrahim says enforcement has already led to seizures worth “billions of ringgit,” but warns that fast-moving online networks can reopen under new domains and systems within hours.

Malaysia will intensify enforcement against illegal gambling, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on February 11, arguing that recent actions have already produced seizures amounting to billions of ringgit.

Anwar said the toughest challenge is the online dimension, where operators may be based overseas and use sophisticated electronic mechanisms that allow them to open and shut operations quickly, complicating sustained disruption.

The remarks came in response to a question from MP Fong Kui Lun on whether cracking down on illegal gambling can help plug revenue leakages as Malaysia pursues fiscal consolidation. Anwar said enforcement will continue, alongside efforts to boost public accountability and awareness about activities that break the law.

The warning also fits a wider policy track: Malaysia has been reviewing legislation to better address illegal online gambling, including potential updates to older statutes and the inclusion of online gambling offences in a proposed Cyber Crime Bill, according to earlier parliamentary updates reported by industry media.