KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 ― Police have arrested 412 individuals on suspicion of being involved in gambling activities involving the Qatar World Cup football matches under Ops Soga IX from Nov 19-Dec 8.

Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) secretary Datuk Noorsiah Mohd Saaduddin said during that period, police also seized various items, including RM10,601,201.25 in credit value from betting software, RM417,613 in cash, computers, tablets, handphones and betting slips.

She said Selangor had the most number of arrests with 135, followed by Johor (51), Kuala Lumpur (43), Sarawak (34), Penang (28), Negri Sembilan (28), Kedah (23), Sabah (18), Pahang (14), Melaka (14), Terengganu (nine), Perak (eight), Kelantan (four) and Perlis (three).

"All those arrested were either bookies or punters and they have been remanded for investigations under the Betting Act 1953 and the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953,” she said in a statement today.

Noorsiah added that during the period, a total of 348 investigation papers had been opened, with 289 being acted upon, 52 charged and seven convicted.

According to her, police would take stern action against individuals who organise and carry out gambling in accordance with existing laws to combat gambling activities.

"Members of the public can channel information on gambling activities through the Ops Soga IX WhatsApp hotline at 016-577-3477,” she said. ― Bernama