Johor police chief Datuk M. Kumar said 470 online gambling premises across the state had their electricity supply cut off between January 2024 and Feb 26, 2025, and that local authorities (PBT) revoked 88 business licenses linked to those activities over the same period1. The figures were released in a statement on March 4, 20251.
The most recent operation ran on Feb 25 and 26, 2025 and cut electricity at 86 premises1. It was carried out under Section 21A of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and involved 64 police officers, 48 Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) personnel and seven PBT officials1. Equipment was seized from seven premises in Muar and one in Tangkak, and the licenses of eight premises were revoked during that operation1.
By district, Iskandar Puteri recorded the highest number of affected premises at 19, followed by Johor Bahru Selatan (14), Kota Tinggi (11), Johor Bahru Utara (10), Muar (seven), Batu Pahat (six), Pontian (five), Kluang and Kulai (four each), Segamat (three), Mersing (two) and Tangkak (one)1.
| District | Premises affected in the Feb 25-26 operation |
|---|---|
| Iskandar Puteri | 19 |
| Johor Bahru Selatan | 14 |
| Kota Tinggi | 11 |
| Johor Bahru Utara | 10 |
| Muar | 7 |
| Batu Pahat | 6 |
| Pontian | 5 |
| Kluang | 4 |
| Kulai | 4 |
| Segamat | 3 |
| Mersing | 2 |
| Tangkak | 1 |
Kumar said police had also asked the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block access to gambling websites1. He warned that authorities would not tolerate any form of gambling and would keep monitoring and inspecting premises, and advised premises owners to ensure tenants do not misuse their properties for gambling operations1.
"This reflects the authorities' ongoing commitment to ensure that gambling crimes can be eradicated for the community's well-being."
What it means for players
The action targets physical premises in Johor, not individual bettors. The measures reported are electricity cuts, license revocations, equipment seizures and a request to block gambling websites, and no arrests or charges against players are mentioned in the account1. For anyone in Johor, the practical effect is fewer physical locations operating as online gambling outlets, and the possibility that some gambling sites become harder to reach if the MCMC acts on the blocking request1. Malaysia's wider legal position on gambling, including online play, is set out in our guide to gambling in Malaysia and to online casinos in Malaysia. The regional pattern of hub shutdowns and what they mean for players is covered in crackdowns on offshore online gambling hubs in Asia and online gambling hubs in Asia and what their shutdown means for players. Whether players themselves have faced arrest in the region is tracked in cases by jurisdiction.
What happens next
Kumar said authorities would continue to monitor and inspect premises to prevent gambling activities from spreading1.
The request to the MCMC to block gambling websites had been submitted, but no decision or timeline was reported1. No further operation dates were announced1.
