Malaysia busts gambling den in Selangor, 496 migrants held
Authorities in Malaysia have uncovered an illegal online gambling operation run from three residential units at the Putra Permai Selesa apartment in Sri Kembangan, Selangor state. The operation was discovered during a large-scale integrated raid on the night of 15 July.
The gambling dens were found in a four-storey apartment block in Pusat Bandar Putra Permai, with the operation taking place under the cover of a normal residential setting. “These premises were operating from residential units, which were converted into gambling dens. The activities were carried out behind closed doors and away from public view,” said Immigration Department deputy director-general (Operations) Jafri Embok Taha during a press conference after the raid.
Locals behind setup, foreigners as operators and clients
Preliminary checks revealed that the electricity bills for the three units were registered under the names of Malaysian nationals, pointing to local involvement in setting up the premises. However, the people actually running the systems and those found inside were all foreigners, many suspected to be undocumented migrants.
“Our checks on electricity bills for the units showed that the accounts were registered under Malaysian names, further suggesting local ownership. However, the individuals operating the systems and those found inside were all foreigners,” Jafri added.
Equipment seized, suspects fled before raid
By the time officers arrived, the units had already been vacated. The suspects are believed to have fled shortly before the raid, leaving behind tablets, monitors, chairs and tables. Authorities also found closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems installed at all three units to monitor outside movement, indicating an effort to avoid detection.
“We have handed over the case related to the discovery of the gambling hub to MBSJ for further investigation and action,” said Jafri, referring to the Subang Jaya City Council.
Operation involved 217 officers from multiple agencies
The bust was part of Op Bersepadu, a coordinated operation that began at 10 pm and ran until 1 am. It involved 217 officers from the Immigration Department, General Operations Force, Civil Defence Force, Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), and the National Registration Department.
The raid targeted not just the gambling activities but also the presence of undocumented migrants living in the apartment complex. A total of 741 foreigners were inspected during the operation.
496 undocumented migrants detained
Out of those screened, 496 undocumented migrants were detained and later transported to the Semenyih Immigration Detention Centre. According to Jafri, the suspected offences are being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Passport Act 1966, the Immigration Regulations 1963 and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
“These operations are part of our continuous efforts not just to detain illegal immigrants, but also to uncover criminal activities that may be taking root in residential areas,” Jafri said.
Public urged to report illegal activities
Jafri also reminded the public not to employ, house, or harbour undocumented migrants in their homes or businesses. He urged community members to report suspicious activities involving foreigners or unauthorised operations to the relevant authorities.
“The department would continue working closely with other agencies to track and shut down illegal activities, especially those involving foreigners misusing residential properties,” he said.
Voluntary repatriation programme ongoing
As part of broader efforts to manage the undocumented migrant issue, the Immigration Department is also running the Migrant Repatriation Programme (PRM) 2.0, which started on 19 May 2025 and will continue until 30 April 2026.
Under this programme, undocumented migrants can voluntarily return to their home countries by paying a compound of RM500 and a special pass fee of RM20. The total cost for return under this scheme is RM520. In Selangor, the programme is available at four locations: Shah Alam, Kelana Jaya, Port Klang and Kajang.
Part of a larger Southeast Asian crackdown
Malaysia allows some legal gambling activities such as lotteries, horse racing and land-based casinos. However, online gambling and sports betting are still banned under the country’s laws. The recent operation in Serdang is part of a wider effort across Southeast Asia to stop illegal online gambling and cross-border crime. Over the past few years, several countries in the region have carried out similar raids.
In Thailand, authorities have closed down gambling groups in border provinces such as Sa Kaeo and Nong Khai. In Cambodia, raids in Sihanoukville found illegal online casinos that were operating under the cover of technology companies. Many of these places were found to be using trafficked workers who were made to work in poor conditions.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, several raids in 2025 targeted unauthorised Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and led to the deportation of more than 300 foreign nationals linked to illegal gambling and human trafficking.
These efforts show that countries across the region are working together to break up criminal networks that take advantage of undocumented workers and use online platforms for illegal activities. Malaysia is supporting this regional push through close cooperation between government agencies and regular enforcement actions, as well as repatriation programmes for undocumented migrants.
