MPP full council meeting to pass ban on ‘fish machines’

June 3, 2017, Saturday, Borneo Post

Lo Khere Chiang

KUCHING: The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) will call for a special full council meeting to pass a ruling to ban the operation of ‘fish machine’ outlets (illegal gambling) within the council’s area. MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang said illegal fish machine operations have been rampant within the council’s area of jurisdiction.

“Illegal fish machine activities have been running rampant and have caused much nuisance, not to mention an eyesore to the community. So for this reason, I will call for a special full council meeting after the Gawai holidays to pass a ruling to ban the operation of fish machine outlets within the council’s area,” he said in a statement yesterday.

“With this ruling, I seek the cooperation of Padawan District police to raid and prohibit any fish machines to be operated within MPP’s area.”

The Batu Kitang assemblyman pointed out that enforcement against gambling activities falls under the purview of the police and MPP would work very closely with them to shut down such operations.
Lo said Padawan police have affirmed that fish machines are heavily linked to gambling and therefore four outlets have seen their permits revoked and been immediately closed for abusing their legal licences.

He pointed out that Facebook pages and messages have been shown support for and requests to stamp out this problem as such outlets have led to “many broken homes and split families” due to debts incurred from gambling.

“It is indeed the wish of the people to see that these illegal operators are stopped for good,” he stressed, adding that all MPP councillors have agreed with the decision to revoke and terminate fish machine activities.

He appealed to the public to cooperate with MPP to stop such activities. Lo added the council will work closely with the police to combat crime, drugs, illegal lottery, and gambling.

On unauthorised trading at car parks and five-foot-ways, Lo commended Padawan District police for highlighting the issue, and admitted MPP has not been able to address the problem effectively.

He said the government has approved another 15 enforcement officers, including a much-needed Enforcement Unit head, for MPP.

“It is my fervent hope and deepest wish that with the extra manpower, MPP will be more effective in tackling this problem of irresponsible trading on five-foot-ways and carparks,” Lo said.