KUCHING: DAPSY Sarawak secretary George Lam has slammed local councils in Kuching for failing to take firm action against the growing number of illegal moneylending advertisements and outlets allegedly operating as fronts for online gambling.
He said Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) of negligence in exercising their enforcement and regulatory powers, saying their inaction has allowed such activities to flourish.
“Advertisements for illegal moneylending are being openly displayed on lamp posts, sidewalks, and road signs. These should not only be removed immediately, but enforcement divisions must also take legal action against those responsible. Councils have the authority to issue compounds or even pursue prosecution,” Lam said.
He asked that a proactive approach would include recording phone numbers on the illegal advertisements, lodging police reports, and alerting the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block the numbers and trace those behind the operations.
Lam also questioned whether certain coffeeshops and convenience stores that sell only basic drinks and instant noodles were even properly licensed. He alleged that these so-called “yellow shops,” often packed at night, were offering credit top-ups and redemption services for online gambling.
“The community knows what is going on. How could the councils’ enforcement divisions fail to notice such blatant illegal activities?” he asked.
According to Lam, local councils have the authority to revoke the licenses of outlets involved in illegal activities but have failed to act. He further criticised mayors and council chairmen from SUPP for claiming they lacked enforcement powers, saying the real issue was a lack of political will.
“Illegal moneylending and gambling destroy families. Some who cannot repay their debts are driven to despair and even suicide, leaving their families broken. This is a serious social problem that requires close cooperation among enforcement agencies,” he said.
Lam urged councils to work with the police and MCMC to establish a special cross-agency task force, step up enforcement, and tackle the spread of illegal activities in Kuching.
“I call on the mayors, council chairmen, and councillors to fulfil their responsibilities instead of attacking DAP representatives who are only voicing the people’s concerns.
He said the public can see clearly who is avoiding responsibility. Do not wait until these illegal activities spiral out of control. By then, it will be too late,” he warned.
By Connie Chieng