Cyber-gambling activities and other forms of gambling are becoming more serious if no stern action is taken by the authorities, in particular the Home Ministry.

Gambling can make a person addicted. It also makes a person forget about responsibilities against their families as a result of their love to gamble. It also leads to social problems to society. Not a few problems occur as a result of this gambling craze until the gambling addict's life becomes destitute and unmanageable.

How many families fall apart as a result of parents who had lost in gambling and are willing to rob the property of his own wife and children. Not a few cases of thefts and murders by gamblers who had taken the easy way out by committing crimes to get the money for the gaming table.

Gambling may impair not only family relationship but it can ruin the future of young people, especially those who like to hang out at the gambling centres.

In the Qur’an it is explained that gambling is illegal. Illegal means it definitely leads to disadvantages in life. Allah says in surah Al-Baqarah: 219 “They ask you about intoxicants and games of chance. Say: In both of them there is a great sin and means of benefit for men, and their sin is greater than their benefit. And they ask you as to what they should spend. Say: What you can spare. Thus does Allah make clear to you the communications that you may ponder?

We urge the government to carry on to ban any form of gambling in this country so that people do not live in purely imaginary wants of getting rich overnight without working hard to earn a living. Gambling can also cause a burdensome life as well as prolonged debt if they lose in gambling.

The government should ban all forms of gambling by not giving any licence to any premises because it does more damage than good to society.

The success of the police in Miri city in curbing the cyber-gambling nests is highly appreciated. We believe if this matter continues, cyber-gambling can be curbed on a massive scale, especially among adolescents and even adults.

The police also needs to intensify operations against gambling activities in the city from spreading, mainly in the form of cyber-gambling. We want to make Miri city truly free of any form of gambling.

The country and citizens will be safe and secure without gambling. Gambling can ruin the future of young people and future generations. Prevention is better than cure. If not now, when?

JOFRI JARAIEE is Sarawak PAS commissioner-cum-Miri PAS chief.